Hello!  Originally from Ulysses, Kansas, I graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in special education.  My teaching career began in Kansas City, Kansas where I taught multi-age kindergarten, first, and second grades and was a learning coach.  My family moved to Lawrence, and I've been teaching second, third, fourth, and fifth grades since 2013.  I recently went back to school to become a certified reading specialist.  The best way to reach me is email kbates@usd497.org or (785) 330-2294.