Meet Ms. Brunson

Ms. Brunson in 3rd grade

Dear Families,  

         Welcome to a new year and a new school!  I am thrilled to welcome your child to third grade! The beginning of a new school year is always so full of promise. It’s so exciting to take out all of our shiny new supplies, see familiar faces and make new friends.  This year is especially exciting since we are the very first group at Elsa England Elementary.          

      My approach to teaching has been shaped in part by my own life experiences and the many role models I have had. Because of my own childhood, I understand that school is so much more to a child than academics. I know that helping children find their place in the world is an important part of my work. For this reason, I employ a service-learning pedagogy in my classroom. Service-learning is a teaching method which integrates meaningful community service with rigorous academics and reflection. Senator John Glen refers to it as “academics in action.” Through service-learning I am teaching and motivating children to be change agents in their world.          

     “Win together, lose together, play together, stay together.” This quote by Debra Mancuso sums up my feelings on classroom environment. I foster a supportive classroom, where children are not only proud of their own accomplishments, but those of their classmates as well. We all lean on each other and students know that I am not the only resource in the room. I am a facilitator, rather than dictator, of learning.  When I say, "team", that includes you guys.  I want you to feel welcome and free to ask questions.  I also tend to put my parents to work, so be warned!

     As for my bio, here goes: I received my undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and my Masters in Education from Texas State. This will be my 17^th year of teaching (and learning). I  am the single mother of three amazing children. Emily is a junior at Round Rock High School, Ryan is a 7^th grader at Cedar Valley MS and  little Matthew is just four years old and attends the Great Oaks Together We Can program.

      I promise to give one hundred percent to your child’s learning and personal growth. Buckle you seatbelts because we have an exciting year ahead!

                                                 Sincerely,

                                                  Rachael Brunson, M.Ed.

Representative Rodriguez & I at the Hunger Warrior Rally---May 9, 2013

Dr. Chavez & I at Elsa England's dedication ceremony

Probably one of the most exciting times of my life..... meeting Mr. Lyle Lovett!!!

Commissioner of Education, Robert Scott

Charles Butt of HEB (such a sweet man) and  astronaut Mark Kelly

Round Rock Mayor, Alan McGraw 2013

Elvis, of course!

Dr. Chavez and my good friend, Ana Eichel

Alan, "Doc", Babin--- Alan visited with our group of Soldier Buddies.  They were so excited to meet a true American hero.  He spoke about being wounded in Iraq.

Bobby Bones and I each threw out the first pitch at the Round Rock Express game.  His aim was way better than mine!

Writing guru, Barry Lane with good friends---- Mrs. Eichel, Mrs. Lyle, Mr. Grubb & Mrs. Havrda.

Mr. Chadwell, President of the Board of Trustees, and I  at the Partners in Education Gala.

President of Partners in Education, Gregg Miller and his lovely wife Gail.

First Day of school at Elsa England Elementary with Fred Cantu