- Cordley Elementary School
- Welcome
Phone: 785-330-4305
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications, University of Kansas Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education, University of Kansas Endorsement in ESL, Kansas State University
Samantha Thibodeau
Hello! My name is Samantha Thibodeau, and I am a Kindergarten teacher at Cordley this year! After graduating from high school, I moved to Lawrence to become a Jayhawk, and actually got my bachelor's Degree in Journalism-Strategic Communications. I decided that field wasn't for me, and I taught at a preschool center here in town for several years, and then decided my calling was to be a teacher. I obtained a Master's Degree from KU in Early Childhood Special Education. I was a special education teacher in Eudora, KS, for 6 years at the Kindergarten age-level, and then a Kindergarten classroom teacher at Kennedy Elementary for 9 years, until that school closed, sadly. However, many Kennedy students and a few teachers migrated to Cordley, and I love the Cordley community so much! I have been teaching Kindergarten at Cordley since 2021, so this is my 3rd year here! Cordley is a very special place, with a wonderful, supportive community of staff, families, and students!
A little about me... I have lived in Lawrence since 1998, and consider myself a pretty big Jayhawk fan! I had a daughter in 2013, and my partner, Bruce, and his son live with us, and both kiddos attend Sunflower Elementary, and keep us busy with their activities! In my free time, I love to read and watch shows and movies, as well as exercise. I have always been active in volleyball, softball, and doing bootcamp style workouts. I am also a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I love spending time with family and traveling, and going to mountains and beaches when possible!
I look forward to getting to know my students and families every year, and having fun while learning with our youngest learners! Kindergarteners have an eagerness to learn and amazing hearts, and they are my favorite age!