About Mrs. Strafford
I grew up in Arlington Heights, a northwest suburb of Chicago. I first came to the Quad Cities to attend Augustana College in Rock Island. After graduating from Augustana, I chose to stay in the area. My first full-time job was doing storyhours and programming for the children’s department at the Rock Island Public Library. In 1985, I became a teacher at Southwest School in Geneseo. I earned my Master’s Degree from Western Illinois University in 1989.
This will be my 34th year of teaching at Southwest School! Even though I’ve lived it, I still find that number hard to believe. I guess time really does fly when you’re having fun! The first six years, I taught 6th grade at Southwest. This was before the current Middle School was built and 6th grade was still in the elementary buildings. The last twenty-seven years have been at the first grade level. I love teaching first grade! My students’ first grade year is full of growth and development, and I love being a part of it.
At home, I live with my husband and we have two grown sons. Our oldest son and his wife have an adorable baby girl . . . so I am a grandma, too! Our second son is currently working as a software engineer in Chicago. I enjoy spending time with friends, traveling, being involved at church, and being outside!
Here I am with my husband at Niabi Zoo.