My name is Diane Brown, and I'd like to take a moment to tell you a little bit about myself. I am a graduate of Metro State College with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Reading. I have been teaching since 1991 with all but one of those at Highland. My husband is a firefighter for Cunningham Fire District, and we have two darling daughters. Melissa and Caitlin both attended Highland.

My classroom is a place where children feel respected and safe to take risks. I enjoy reading groups, journaling back and forth and literature discussions with my students using strategies from guided reading. You will also find math thinkers and problem solvers in my room. The children enjoy hands-on activities as well as discussions about the many ways to solve math problems. My classroom is also a place where children write, and write, and write! The most important thing to me is for your child to realize their potential in everything they do! If they are inspired to do their best, they will!

The most important thing to know about me is that I love kids and teaching, especially working with third graders! I began my teaching career in Las Vegas, Nevada, working with Spanish-speaking 1st and 2nd graders. My B.A. in Spanish definitely came in handy! While living in Nevada, I earned an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. As much as I enjoyed Vegas, it was always part of my plan to return home to Colorado. I finally made it back in 1998, and have been teaching at Highland ever since.

I strive to create an environment that encourages kids to be thinkers and problem solvers, and to provide a structure where it’s safe to take chances and make mistakes (and it’s okay to do well, too!). I consider it an honor to be a teacher, especially here at Highland where we have the best kids!

My name is Cindy Yabrove and I have been at Highland Elementary since 1986. I earned my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado and my M.Ed. in the Diverse Learner from the University of Phoenix. I have two wonderful daughters who both attended Highland. We have two dogs and three cats. In my free time I like to play volleyball, read, play board games, and spend time with my family.

I truly love teaching and strive to make each day successful and happy for my students. I want my students to feel challenged, respected, and free to take risks. I want to instill in my students a love for learning, and I want them to feel confident.