About: Ms. Casey has been teaching for 11 years, with 6 years in 5th grade and 5 years as an AIG (Academically or Intellectually Gifted) teacher. She graduated from NC State with a B.S. in Elementary Education, inspired by a desire to make school more engaging and enjoyable for kids.

Passionate about the arts—especially visual and musical—Ms. Casey loves bringing creativity into the classroom. She’s always on the lookout for new tech tools to enhance the learning experience. Her favorite teaching method is through projects, allowing students to explore their interests and develop critical thinking skills in a hands-on way. Ms. Casey is committed to creating a dynamic and inspiring classroom where every student can thrive and discover their unique talents. For her, teaching is all about making learning fun and exciting.

While Ms. Casey loves teaching kids, she also likes supporting adults and hosts Lettering workshops locally. It's easy to find her exploring various art types and infusing them in her lessons. Ms. Casey became a teacher because she knew school could be fun and wanted to create that kind of space for kids to learn.

Alumni: N.C. State University, '13

Favorite Quote: Make choices that make you proud of yourself.

Favorite Children's Book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Gifts & Talents: Music, Art, Empathy, Creative Problem-Solving, Making Spreadsheets - LOL

Twitter: @lizzessons

About: I am so thrilled to join the WashinGTon Elementary crew! I have been teaching since 2013. I have taught 1^st , 3^rd , 4^th , and 5^th grades. I am a proud graduate of Meredith College as a NC Teaching Fellow. I live in Raleigh with my husband, two daughters, and two dogs. I begin each day with a meditation and yoga practice. I enjoy teaching yoga and social emotional learning to kids. I am exceptionally gifted in taking time to nap on the weekends, often cuddling with my dogs. I enjoy taking care of my many indoor house plants (currently 74 and counting!). I love eating Mexican and Indian food. I enjoy playing board games with friends and family (Settlers of Catan is our favorite!). We enjoy sitting by the fire with friends, listening to music, and watching our kids enjoy quality time playing together. I absolutely love making people smile and laugh, being a comic relief around others. 

I became a teacher to inspire children to learn through play and exploration. I believe in the value of making mistakes to learn new things. Truly, I aspire to be a modern-day Mrs. Frizzle, a true G.O.A.T. in teaching. 

Alumni: Meredith College, '13

Favorite Quote: "Take Chances. Make Mistakes. Get Messy." - Ms. Frizzle

Favorite Children's Book: Elephant and Piggie - By: Mo Willems

Gifts & Talents: Humor, Mindfulness & Meditation, Yoga, Organizing, and Napping