Hello! I’m Nina Starks, and I'm thrilled to be starting my 16th year of teaching as a fourth-grade teacher at Niwot Elementary. With 15 years of teaching experience, including 11 dedicated to fourth graders, I'm passionate about nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. After graduating with a B.A. in Anthropology, I found my true calling in teaching and earned my M.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2010. In our classroom, we embark on exciting journeys of exploration and discovery. I'm dedicated to helping students develop essential skills for success, whether it's through the magic of finding the perfect book to read, integrating technology to showcase their creativity and knowledge, or developing essential executive functioning skills. My goal is to create lifelong learners who are not only enthusiastic about acquiring knowledge but also eager to share it with others, a philosophy I embody daily. When I'm not teaching, I cherish moments with my husband and our 9-year-old son, indulging in adventures like traveling, camping, hiking, gardening, baking & cooking, or just simply reading books together on the couch. We find joy in watching our son's enthusiasm for life, especially his passion for swimming and gymnastics. Our beloved dogs, Maeve and Buddy, and our cat, Ruth, are cherished members of our family. I'm thrilled to be part of the Niwot Elementary community and look forward to an incredible year of growth and learning!