Welcome and thank you for visiting the webpage of Peggy Brunner, first grade teacher at Urbana Elementary.  I've been employed by Frederick County Public Schools for the past 14 years.  Initially, I provided support in the area of Special Education at West Frederick Middle School and later assisted in the Guidance Office at Thomas Johnson High School.  I returned to college for my teaching certificate.  As a result of a positive student teaching experience here at Urbana, I was offered a first grade teaching position here.  My second year, I taught second grade at Orchard Grove Elementary.  I returned to Urbana last year to resume teaching first grade. When I was given the opportunity to become a part of Urbana's second grade team, which is an awesome group of professionals, I jumped at the chance to join them.  I'm thrilled to be teaching here at Urbana Elementary -- which I consider to be one of the best schools in the county!

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hood College with a degree in Early Childhood Education.  I'm certified in the areas of Early Childhood and Elementary Education.  This past summer I completed training that qualifies me as a teacher consultant with the MD Writing Project.  Presently, I'm working towards earning a Masters Degree with a focus in Reading. 

I was born and raised in Frederick County and proudly admit to being a product of public education.  My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary and now have an "empty nest."  My oldest daughter is a PE teacher at Brunswick Middle School and my youngest daughter is a sophmore in college.  I love spending time with my family, reading and hearing the sound of ocean waves.

I believe that the education of a child should involve more than just textbook knowledge; it must also include personal life skills gained/reinforced during the school experience.  It is important that teachers provide engaging lessons that cover the curriculum, but it is also paramount that we provide an environment and educational opportunities that will develop the whole child.  Education involves much more than just teaching; it requires loving, caring, and providing support to facilitate student success.  I firmly believe that each child has been blessed with a wonderful gift of talent.  An important part of my role, as a second grade teacher, is to help identify each student's talent and help him/her discover all the many opportunities available.  This will not only help foster a lifelong love of learning but is the foundation on which great dreams are built.  I look forward to establishing positive relationships with my students, their families and the staff here at Urbana in order to help each child to realize his/her dream.