About Mrs. Duff
My name is Ali Duff and this is my 7th year teaching third grade at Upland Terrace. I'm excited to meet all of you and and your families!
My background
I have two Master's Degrees (in Psychology and Social Work) and spent many years working in social services all over the country. I've lived in Illinois, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, Arizona, Oklahoma, Iowa, and finally Utah! After my children entered school, I started looking for opportunities to make a difference in children's lives through education. I spent many years working in public schools in a variety of positions, including being an elementary librarian, an instructional aide, and volunteering in reading programs. In 2015, I decided to pursue a license in elementary education through Utah's ARL (Alternative Route to Licensure) program. I have since obtained the Gifted and Talented Endorsement.
I am passionate about teaching and learning. My educational philosophy is simple. Learning should be lots of fun and takes hard work. Third grade is a pivotal year and it's important that parents and teacher work together to achieve success. All children should feel challenged and find success in learning new skills. A respectful classroom is the key to meeting these goals. We value kindness and help one another reach our goals.
My Family
I am married and I have 2 kids. My son is at the University of Utah and my daughter is at Skyline and has been part of the Granite French Immersion program. My husband is a Neuropsychologist and does Alzheimers research and clinical care in the University of Utah Alzheimer's Center. Go Utes! I come from an extended family full of TEACHERS!
My background
I have two Master's Degrees (in Psychology and Social Work) and spent many years working in social services all over the country. I've lived in Illinois, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, Arizona, Oklahoma, Iowa, and finally Utah! After my children entered school, I started looking for opportunities to make a difference in children's lives through education. I spent many years working in public schools in a variety of positions, including being an elementary librarian, an instructional aide, and volunteering in reading programs. In 2015, I decided to pursue a license in elementary education through Utah's ARL (Alternative Route to Licensure) program. I have since obtained the Gifted and Talented Endorsement.
I am passionate about teaching and learning. My educational philosophy is simple. Learning should be lots of fun and takes hard work. Third grade is a pivotal year and it's important that parents and teacher work together to achieve success. All children should feel challenged and find success in learning new skills. A respectful classroom is the key to meeting these goals. We value kindness and help one another reach our goals.
My Family
I am married and I have 2 kids. My son is at the University of Utah and my daughter is at Skyline and has been part of the Granite French Immersion program. My husband is a Neuropsychologist and does Alzheimers research and clinical care in the University of Utah Alzheimer's Center. Go Utes! I come from an extended family full of TEACHERS!
My dog is part of my family. Her name is Spruce. We take lots of runs and walks and hikes together.
For Fun
I love to hike in the summer and ski and snowshoe in the winter. I love art. I love music. I played the piano and cello in elementary school and stuck with the cello all the way through college. I love to travel and explore national parks and other beautiful or historical places with my family. This photo is from our family trip to Washington DC!
I love to READ! READ! READ! I am passionate about children's literature and the difference it can make in children's lives. Some of my favorite third grade authors are Roald Dahl, Andrew Clements, Kate DiCamillo and Edward Eager. I also love fun poetry by Jack Prelutsky, Shel Silverstein, Adam Rex and the classic poetry of Robert Frost and Robert Louis Stevenson.
For Fun
I love to hike in the summer and ski and snowshoe in the winter. I love art. I love music. I played the piano and cello in elementary school and stuck with the cello all the way through college. I love to travel and explore national parks and other beautiful or historical places with my family. This photo is from our family trip to Washington DC!
I love to READ! READ! READ! I am passionate about children's literature and the difference it can make in children's lives. Some of my favorite third grade authors are Roald Dahl, Andrew Clements, Kate DiCamillo and Edward Eager. I also love fun poetry by Jack Prelutsky, Shel Silverstein, Adam Rex and the classic poetry of Robert Frost and Robert Louis Stevenson.