Marijeanne Birchard

Having graduated from Chico State with a single subject credential in English and a multiple subject credential, I began teaching at CCDS in 2006.  When I first began working here I was struck by the strong sense of community and the emphasis on educating the child as a whole person, not just academically.  These two qualities are what has kept me here for so many years.

I grew up in a small community and went to school with the same students from kindergarten until I graduated from high school.  Those classmates were like family to me and I know many people feel the same way about their classmates here at Chico Country Day. I have taught 3rd, 5th, 7th and 8th grade during my years at CCDS and though each group is unique and different one thing remains the same: all students can be bribed with candy and they are all willing to work hard if you give them a task they care about.  

My favorite teacher in school was my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Mac.  She cared so much about her student’s lives and never made our problems feel like “just kid stuff”.  If we cared about something, she cared about it. If we were upset, she never brushed us off, but showed true concern.  She also would not put up with ANYONE being mean to someone in our class. Even outside of our room, if she heard about us teasing someone after school, on the playground, anywhere, you better believe she would call you out on it.   She was tough and had high expectations, but she was also loving and nurturing. These are the ideals I strive for now as a teacher, all these years later.

I am the mother of four amazing, active, young children and that absolutely shapes who I am as a teacher. Being a mother is a huge part of my identity and it comes out in many things I do in the classroom.  I try to treat my students how I treat my own kids, with love, tenderness and respect. I like to work hard at home and at school and don’t like dull or lazy days. I am an extreme extrovert so I have found the perfect life for me: surrounded by energetic kids at home and teaching 124 teenagers everyday at work.