3rd Grade
THIRD GRADE TEAM
| DEB DELONG | debora.delong@dcsdk12.org |
Hello families! I am so excited to welcome you and your child to our classroom this year. With 35 years of teaching experience under my belt, I’ve had the joy of teaching every single grade from Kindergarten through 12th—with 2nd grade being the only exception! Throughout my career, my journey has taken me across classrooms in Nebraska, Wyoming, Nevada, and Colorado, and I also hold a Master’s degree in Educational Technology. Outside the classroom, my life is filled with wonderful family moments. My husband, Phil, and I are parents to four amazing adult children—Tyson, Morgan, Peyton, and Savannah—and proud grandparents to three beautiful grandchildren, with a fourth on the way! When I’m not teaching, you’ll usually find me hiking, spending quality time with my family, or hanging out with our four dogs. Teaching is my true passion, and I cannot wait to partner with you to make this a fabulous, growth-filled school year for your child! |
| ALYSSA OKERSTROM | aokerstrom@dcsdk12.org |
My name is Alyssa Okerstrom. I grew up in the Chicago area and moved here 14 years ago with my husband Adam and our two kids, Mark (18) and Annalise (16). We also have a dog named Rizzo. I taught fourth grade in the Chicago suburbs for eight years before taking some time off to be home with my kids. I cherished my time with them, but the classroom was calling me back. Ten years ago, I jumped back in as a substitute teacher for Douglas County. I fell in love with SME and started working here full time as an educational assistant for one year. I taught fourth grade for two years and then joined the third grade team. This will be my seventh year teaching third. I am looking forward to a wonderful year!
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| KELLY SPOND |
kelly.spond@dcsdk12.org | Hello SME! My name is Kelly Spond, and this is my 18th year at Stone Mountain Elementary and my 21st year teaching. I was a 6th grade teacher for 13 years, and I taught two years in 5th grade. I taught both of these grades right here at SME. This is my fourth year of teaching 3rd grade, and I love teaching 3rd graders! My number one goal is to help my students reach their full potential in a safe and caring environment. Plus, we have a lot of fun along the way! My husband Tom and I have been married for 35 years, and we have triplet boys who are 30 years old. We are also a Grammy and Grampy to two beautiful granddaughters, Saylor Jane (2 years) and Emery Jo (1 year), and we have a 14-year-old Beagle dog named Indy. I’m grateful for the opportunity to teach your amazing kiddos this year. Get ready for an incredible year full of fun, learning, and unforgettable moments. I am so lucky to have you in my class! |
| KAITLYN BEARMAN | kbearman@dcsdk12.org |
Hi everyone! My name is Kaitlyn Bearman, and this will be my first year teaching! I am so excited to begin this new chapter in my life that I have been dreaming about since I was a kid. I recently graduated from Grand Canyon University with both my bachelor's and master's degrees in Elementary Education with a minor in musical theatre. I am so excited to be back in my home district! I am a former Rock Canyon Jaguar who graduated in 2021, and I started my time in DCSD at Timber Trail Elementary. During student teaching, I was in a Kindergarten and a 3rd Grade classroom, and this past year I was a Kindergarten Aide at Redstone Elementary. Now I’m back in 3rd, and I am so excited! Chances are you’ve seen me around SME because Mrs. Bearman (2nd Grade) is my mom! I love the beach, the mountains, all things country, as well as spending time with family, friends, and my boyfriend! I cannot wait to have a wonderful school year! |