My name is Kristine Gear and I am excited to return to Innovation Academy to loop with the 7th grade students as their ELA teacher. This group of students is creative, engaged, and curious and I am thrilled to be on a learning journey with them again this year. I love reading because it provides us with mirrors of our own experiences and windows into understanding the experiences of others, (Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop). I also love writing and the power that comes from learning to share our ideas and voice with the world. This is my 11th year teaching and I have taught ELA and Social Studies grades 5-8. I am originally from Houston, Texas, and moved to North Carolina five years ago with my husband. I have a toddler named Brooks who is obsessed with dinosaurs and climbing. I also have two dogs, Osa (rottie) and Rio (mix of cuteness). I graduated from Baylor University - sic 'em Bears!- and earned my Master of Science in Secondary Education from Johns Hopkins University last year. I love to read (surprise!), bake, and spend time outdoors in my free time.