Alumni Spotlight
Carrie (Skinner ’01) Mitchell
Major: Early Childhood/Elementary Education
Occupation: Second Grade Teacher,
Academy Endeavor Elementary, Academy District Twenty, Colorado Springs,
Colorado
During her high school years, Carrie Mitchell knew she would study education and eventually have her own classroom. She was inspired by teachers and their influence while molding and educating the young. She always wanted to pass on that enthusiasm for learning and creating a positive influence in curious minds.
Carrie grew up in a small town in central Illinois and was actively involved in her church. She helped with the children’s church ministry, was an Honor Star [in Missionettes], and did missions work in Mexico.
After high school, Carrie decided to follow in her sister’s footsteps and attend Evangel University in the fall of 1998. She received scholarships for academics as well as athletics. During her first year, Carrie was a part of the EU Varsity Spirit Squad under the supervision of the late Joyce Linn. Dr. Becky Heuchteman created a supportive environment as her advisor while Carrie began her first years tackling the foundations of education.
“Evangel gave me the opportunity to experience the integration of academia and faith,” said Carrie.
During her time at Evangel, she had the opportunity to interact with teachers in the Springfield Public Schools and Headstart Programs as a practicum student.
“Every school made me feel welcome and gave me wonderful cooperating teachers to learn from,” Carrie said. “Many of their teaching methods have influenced my very own classroom.”
While on summer breaks, Carrie decided to live with some relatives in the mountains of Colorado. Her heart was sold on returning to Colorado, post graduation. Summers were spent working at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs.
In 2001 the Lord opened a door for a position with the reputable Academy District Twenty . There Carrie began at Academy Edison Elementary School.
“I was given an incredible amount of training during college and knew that what I had learned at Evangel was a great base of knowledge,” she said.
After the first year, Carrie was asked to be a writing coordinator. In 2004 she became a social studies coordinator, responsible for giving and receiving professional development for teachers in the social studies area.
“I have a great sense of pride and integrity in what I received at Evangel. I have learned from the best,” Carrie said. “If you remember one thing in Evangel’s education classes, remember Bloom’s [Taxonomy]. Bloom’s is everywhere in elementary schools!”
This past April, Carrie was nominated and awarded “Teacher of the Year” for the entire district, which consists of five high schools, four middle schools, and 16 elementary schools.
“Academy Twenty has a reputation for achieving high academic standards,” she said. “I pray that the Lord uses me to reach children emotionally and academically. I want them all to strive for the best and know that they can accomplish anything that they put their minds to.”
Carrie and her husband, Sean, have been married for two years. They attend Rocky Mountain Calvary in Colorado Springs.