Welcome to first grade. My name is Ann Elward and I teach in room 111. I have been teaching in Minneapolis since 1999. Before I began teaching I worked as a social worker, then took some time off to raise my family. I then worked 7 years with E.C.F.E. before returning to school and earning my teaching license from the University of Minnesota. I have taught at Bethune, Shingle Creek, Lake Harriet and a charter school called Twin Cities International Elementary School. I have been working at Northrop since 2008, as Title One resource teacher and test coordinator. Then I taught 2nd grade for 7 years.  This will be my second year teaching 1st Grade at Northrop.

I have lived nearby in the Longfellow neighborhood since 1985. My husband and I have three grown sons, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and two grandsons. My interests are gardening, cooking, reading, and spending lots of time outside. I have a strong interest in science and the environment.

I enjoy sharing our South Star Community Garden plot with all my students. We will be spending lots of time learning outside, as well as in the classroom.  I can always use extra help when we visit the garden.  You are welcome to come along.