Kristi Cardwell, Middle School Theatre Teacher

"I want my students to realize they are wonderfully, uniquely themselves. They are smart, capable, creative, and important."
 

What motivated and inspired you to teach? 

My love and inspiration to teach came from growing up watching my Grandfather, Grandmother, and Mother teach. All three taught and worked in a manner that brought out the best in their students, inspiring them to work hard and achieve higher levels of skill.

Why are you excited to come to ESD every day? 

My motivation for teaching, centers around the great joy I have for working with my Middle School students. Their energy and heart is what makes me excited to go to work each day. I must also say the wonderful faculty and staff has made ESD a happy place to come to work for these past 26 years.

Beyond your subject-area or discipline, what life lesson do you want your students to learn in your classroom? 

I want my students and advisees to realize they are wonderfully, uniquely themselves. They are smart, capable, creative, unique and important. I also want them to realize that the qualities of focus, dedication, trust, and kindness take them far and contribute towards them being happy in life.

Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself! 

Fun facts: 1) My husband and I were married at ESD in the space above the library (then an open room) and held our reception in the Commons (now the Study Commons); 2) I am a third generation Theatre Artist and teacher.

What is your favorite book and why? 

One of my favorite children's books is Miss Twiggley's Tree. From a young age, the idea of living in a tree-house captured my imagination and it's message of inclusivity and how we should treat each other spoke to me and continues to resonate with me today. People who visit my house and look out the back window to the forest of trees in my backyard 20 feet below the house level say, "You live in a tree-house!"