Aberdeen's Specials page

   Mrs. Alderson- STEM

My name is Mrs. Alderson and I am the STEM teacher at Aberdeen Elementary. I am so excited to be staring my 12th year in education. I graduated with my Bachelors in English from the University of Texas-San Antonio and recieved my Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. I started my career as a wilderness camp counselor in the mountains of Tennessee working with at risk youth. I realized that I wanted to make a difference for as many kids as possible, so I went into teaching. Over the years I have taught all grades K-12 and did the majority of my years teaching English and Literature. 6 years ago I transitioned into the technology side of education as a Digital Integration Facilitator for Moore County Schools. In 2018 Mr. Poole came to me with the idea of starting a STEM lab at AES. I jumped on the chance and have not looked back since!! The joy on kids’ faces as they create something special is my favorite moments of the day. I live in Raeford with my husband Hugh, my daughter Kathryn (4), and my dogs Athena and Drover.
 

  Mr. Seely- Music

My name is Michael Seely and this is my 3rd year as the music teacher at Aberdeen Elementary School and my 7th year overall teaching. I taught 1 year in Robeson County and 2 years in Scotland County. I attended Gardner-Webb University where I received my bachelors degree in Music Education. I am currently attending Southern New-Hampshire University earning my MBA in Music Business. My purpose for being an educator is to enrich the lives of all of my students through the teaching of music. I always tell my students that I can teach them anything about music but if I don't use music to teach them about life then I have not done my job. I love building relationships with my students and parents because I know that true teaching cannot take place until those relationships are there. There are a few things I want to accomplish while I am here at Aberdeen. The first is to make sure that every child knows that they are cared about and loved. The second is to build up students self-esteem and confidence so that they may find hidden talents within themselves. And the third is to use music as a way to teach students how to be a positive influence in the world and to show students how music can change lives. I believe what makes me unique as an educator is I am not afraid to be myself and to show my fun side. Students learn better when they are comfortable with their teacher and having a sense of humor and a funny side does a lot to help that. One other thing that makes me unique is I am very good at finding talent in students who think they do not have any talents. Every child has something special about them. It's my job to find what's special about a student and then help cultivate that.

 Mrs. Overby

I began my teaching career in 1985 at the high school level. I have coached athletes to state championship titles as well as a couple of them to the Olympic trials. I spend 10 years in private education. I joined MCS in 2001 and firmly planted my feet in Aberdeen. I love helping the younger students to discover what they never knew they could do. It is my hope that I teach them enough to enjoy daily activity or light a fire inside them to see how far they can go.

 Mrs. Espenlaub

Hello all! My name is Kimberly Espenlaub and this is my 6th year teaching art at Aberdeen Elementary school, and my 8th year as an educator. I earned by Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania and my Master's degree in Elementary Education from University of Phoenix. Before I taught art, I taught Kindergarten in Copperas Cove Texas. I am a military wife and a mother to two awesome and amazing boys, Kyle (14) and Hunter (9). We love to go hiking and camping and just spend our time outdoors.
Coming into education is a privilege and an honor, and I am blessed to be able to teach at Aberdeen Elementary School every day. My purpose for being an educator, and especially an art educator is to be able to show students the beauty in the world and in themselves. I try and lead every student to create something they are proud of and in doing so, I hope to have a positive impact on their lives. I strive to help each student realize their passions, and help them discover and reach the possible that was once impossible.

 Mrs. Goetzl

My name is Michelle Goetzl and I am thrilled to be your new Media Specialist. I completed my Masters of Library and Information Science from UNC-Greensboro and received my Bachelors in Mass Communications from UC Berkeley. I worked for many years in the magazine industry in New York and Kansas. As my own children grew, I realized how much I enjoyed sharing books with students and decided to embark on a second career. Books hold a big place in my heart and I love seeing the joy in a child when they find a book that they can relate to and enjoy. I chose a path in school librarianship because I want to help instill a love of the written word and because books open the world to us and are an important part of our social and emotional growth. I bring an honest excitement over the books that I recommend as many are books I have already enjoyed as I have been reviewing children's books for the past 8 years. Research is also a passion of mine and our older students will be learning how to research, how to choose reputable sources, and the meaning of copyright rules. More than anything, I want the students and community to see themselves and their passions in our collection and to enjoy reading, whether fiction or non-fiction. Books open our eyes to the larger world around us and help us all grow as individuals.