Hello!

  My name is Michele Haider-Markel, and I am so excited to be teaching 4th grade at Cordley Elementary this year with such a great team of teachers!

  I grew up in east central Minnesota, where I lived until 1994.  I then moved to Milwaukee, WI as my partner was in graduate school.   We moved to Lawrence in 1997 because my partner was offered a "one year" teaching fellowship at KU, and we have been here ever since! 

I am so happy we did stay, as we have had so many wonderful experiences while living in Lawrence.  The best experience so far has been adopting our son who will be a Senior at LHS this year.

  I've taught at Sunflower Elementary for 2 years and Prairie Park Elementary for 20.  Prior to teaching, I was a paraprofessional in the Special Education Department.  I retired for 2 years in 2021 to take care of my elderly parents, then jumped right back into the classroom as soon as I was able.

  In my spare time I am outdoors as much as possible.  I enjoy taking care of our dogs, chickens and any other critter that happens to wander into the yard.  Hiking, kayaking, gardening, bird watching, swimming and spending time with family and friends are my favorite out-of-school activities.

  I am thoroughly looking forward to working with your children and getting to know all of you!