Third Grade
This is my fourth year of teaching at Burns Park. I enjoy helping students develop their voice and confidence. I particularly enjoy doing this in writing and math! Prior to teaching, I graduated from the University of Michigan. I love acting, making music, creating digital art, cooking, knitting...I have a lot of hobbies. I live with my wife Stacie, who can be found most Sundays at the Artisan Market in Kerrytown selling crochet marine animals.
If you have any questions for me, or just want to reach out, my email is benisonj@aaps.k12.mi.us . I'd be happy to hear from you!
Mr. Benison
I am Kevin Conte and I am proud to be teaching the 2nd/3rd grade split class at Burns Park. I have been teaching for over 20 years including the past six as a Penguin instructor. I earned my BA in Elementary Education from Michigan State University and I am currently in the process of earning my MA from Eastern Michigan University.
In our classroom students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning; both academic and social skills. We focus on gaining independence and problem solving skills.
Mr. Conte
Bachelor’s Degree:
Marketing and International Business from Bowling Green State University
International Management from the École de Management, Strasbourg, France
Master’s Degree:
ELMAC (Elementary Masters and Certification from University of Michigan)
Teaching Background:
8th year working with students, 4th year teaching at AAPS
Hometown: Saline, Michigan
City of Residence: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Personal or professional goals:
· Travel and Cultural Exploration: I aim to travel more extensively to deepen my understanding of diverse cultures. Experiencing different cultures firsthand will enhance my ability to connect with and support students from a variety of backgrounds.
· Differentiated Instruction: I am committed to continuing to develop and implement differentiated techniques that motivate struggling students, ensuring that each individual’s needs are met. My goal is to tailor my approach to help all students feel engaged, confident, and capable of succeeding.
· Student Success and Preparation for the Future: My ultimate goal is to help students reach their full potential, both academically and personally. I strive to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and mindset they need to succeed in the world beyond our classroom, fostering resilience, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.
Mission statement and values: My mission is to foster a culture of honesty, collaboration, and trust. Where kindness and empathy guide every interaction. I am committed to nurturing curiosity, encouraging growth, and holding myself and my students accountable to the highest standards. By prioritizing these values, I aim to create an environment where every individual feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Skills and expertise: I am a compassionate educator with personal experience navigating a 504 plan, giving me unique insight into implementing accommodations and finding effective strategies for diverse learners. I prioritize creating a collaborative classroom where students have a voice in their learning, fostering engagement and autonomy.
Having attended school in a foreign country as a non-native speaker, I understand the challenges faced by English Learners (ELs). This, along with coursework on supporting ESL students, enables me to develop inclusive approaches to language acquisition and academic success. Certified in AVMR (math skill-building curriculum) I have experience using these tools to support students' academic growth, particularly in math. Additionally, my work as a Teaching Assistant has equipped me with a range of strategies for supporting students with behavioral needs, ensuring they thrive both academically and socially. In summary, my diverse experiences and training allow me to create individualized, supportive environments that empower students to reach their full potential.
Interests and hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy a variety of activities that allow me to relax and express my creativity. I’m passionate about crafting and cooking, always exploring new projects and recipes. Traveling is a favorite hobby, as it gives me the opportunity to experience different cultures and broaden my perspective. I also love going to the movies and spending quality time with my friends, family, and dog, who bring joy and balance to my life.Ms. Cornish
Hello! I am Jessica Hane, one of the fantastic third-grade teachers at Burns Park.
I am originally from Ann Arbor and attended K-12 in the Ann Arbor Public Schools. Even though I grew up cheering for the Wolverines, I decided to go off to MSU and cheer for the Spartans. After four years, I received my BA in Elementary Education with endorsements in Mathematics, Language Arts, and Special Education. I went back to MSU a few years into my teaching career and received my MA in Special Education with an endorsement in ASD. Safe to say, I'm now forever a Spartan.
I started my teaching career in North Carolina as a third-grade teacher. Two years later, I moved back to Ann Arbor and began teaching kindergarten at Burns Park. After one year, I switched back to my sweet spot and have been teaching third-grade at Burns Park for the past five years.
I can't wait to meet this new group of third-graders!
Ms. Hane
