4th/5th Grade Connections Teaching Team

Stephanie Brickman

Connections

4th/5th Grade Teacher

• This is my 7th year teaching, and I have taught 4th grade from the start. I love teaching because I loved my own elementary school teachers and wanted to be just like them when I grew up! Every day, I strive for my students to feel proud of their hard work, continue to build their love of learning, and enjoy coming to school. I love seeing my students light up with enthusiasm and wonder as they learn so much throughout the year with me!

• My favorite thing about 4th grade is bringing the class together with our “Whole-Class Puzzle Project.” 4th graders are building their independence and individuality. I enjoy watching them express this on their own puzzle pieces and then bringing them all together into one collaborative project of creativity and diversity. This sets us up to learn and grow together for an amazing year.

• I love being around my family and friends. Growing up in a large family, we have always been busy cooking, eating, talking, taking trips together (skiing, camping, swimming, or Costco shopping) etc. Although I love curling up alone with a good book sometimes, being with the people I love and sharing happy occasions like weddings and picnics are tons of fun! I feel grateful to play at the park with my baby cousin, enjoy an old movie with my grandpa, or walk around farmers’ markets with the people I love.

• I am looking forward to the amazing resources at Mariposa. Our classrooms, the wild zone, and this wonderful staff coming together is the perfect combination for a successful year of fun and learning! Even though I’ve moved classrooms a few times before (and I’m becoming an expert on that), this classroom feels like the perfect fit for me and I’m excited to have my students join me here!

Gloria Nguyen

Connections

4th/5th Grade Teacher

• I am very excited to be a part of the community at Mariposa Elementary! When I was student teaching, I had the opportunity to work with two unique school communities. I worked with Kindergarten & 2nd Grade classes in Pacifica, and with a 5th grade class in South San Francisco. 
• I have long been a believer of incorporating technology into the classroom and am thrilled to be a teacher for our new Connections Program! I am excited to get to know my students and their interests and supporting them in developing their skills. I look forward to meeting all the families as well.
• I enjoy working with upper elementary because they’re at the age where they’re discovering their hobbies and are very inquisitive. It’s fun following the students as they tackle complex concepts and watching them learn from them.
• Before I became a teacher, I worked as an After School Leader for the YMCA for almost 5 years. This program was where I discovered my love and passion for teaching and working with kids.
• I am a San Jose native, born and raised. I am currently living in Daly City, but I do my best to visit my family as often as I can. My family and friends are a huge part of my life and I try to keep in contact with everyone regularly! 
• I am a cat mama and love to spend time petting and playing with my cat, Teemo. I am huge fan of Studio Ghibli movies, anime, reading mystery/thriller novels, and the Percy Jackson series. I have also been to Japan twice, once in 2017 and again in 2018. I hope to get an opportunity to go back again during cherry blossom season! 

Chris Dillie

Connections

4th/5th Grade Teacher