I was born and raised in Seattle. I have five siblings, and my family all still lives in the area, too. I grew up in Ballard. I have been at John Hay since 2016, and I have enjoyed all the positive relationships I have built with students and staff over the years. I love to see students living healthy, active, and joyful lives through physical activity. When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, going to baseball games, hiking, and being outside in the PNW as much as possible.
I am a Seattle transplant. I am from South Dakota and moved to Washington in 2012. I started my career at John Hay as a Special Education Instructional Assistant in 2013. The next school year I was teaching in the classroom. I currently teach 3rd grade and I love it. I recently graduated with a master's degree in Elementary Mathematics.
I have been a teacher at John Hay since 2004. I currently teach 4th/5th grade, which is the best! With a student-centered focus, high expectations for all, and work around developing the whole child, I work to ensure that every student is ready for success in middle school and beyond.
I am committed to empowering my students to be advocates for themselves and others.
This is my 16th year at John Hay. I have a 20 year old daughter who also went to John Hay for her elementary years. The joke in our house is she graduated, I did not. John Hay is my family. I love the sense of community and, of course, all the kiddos. I look forward to coming to work every single day. John Hay rocks.
Misa Nakamura has been one of the Special Education (Service Model 1) teachers at John Hay Elementary since 2004. She received her Bachelor's degree and dual certification (Elementary Ed. and Special Ed.) from Western Washington University and has her M.Ed. from the University of Washington. She has taught in New Zealand and Japan and is proud to call both Hawaii and Seattle home. John Hay ROCKS!
I provide social emotional and behavioral support to student in K-5. Using one-on-one sessions, small groups, lunch bunch, recess support, and classroom support, we tackle things such as conflict resolution, proper classroom behavior, anger management, friendship issues, and big emotions.
I love teaching 4th/5th grade! Teaching the oldest kids in the school is the best! Going to overnight camp and teaching FLASH is my favorite thing about 5th grade!
EDUCATION: I have a Masters in Human Development, and a BA in English literature. Go Dawgs!
PERSONAL: I am mother of three kids. I love to travel, spend time with friends and family and I'm obsessed with gardening when my back is not hurting!
TEACHING: I would consider myself as a warm demander. I have high expectations for my students and they reach them!
Welcome to 4th/5th grade in the Perfect Pink Paradise!
It is my passion to help students grow and learn academically, emotionally, and socially. I strive to create a positive learning environment where instruction is differentiated to ensure that all students make progress.
This is my 20th year at John Hay and I am honored to be part of the Hay community. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, gardening, traveling, and spending time with my wonderful family. Let’s go Jaguars!!