Hello! My name is Shelby Alm. The 2026-2027 school year marks my fourth year as an educator, my fourth year at Kruse Elementary, and my first year as a 4th grade teacher! I couldn't be happier to call Kruse my home away from home, and I am so excited to get to teach 4th grade.
I graduated from Colorado State University in 2014 with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies, as well as minor in Spanish. I completed my teacher prep program at Western Colorado University in the spring of 2023. I graduated with a M.S. Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governor University in the fall of 2025.
It's important to me that my classroom feels inviting, welcoming, and calming to my students. I prioritize strong relationships, mutual respect and understanding, and a universal sense of belonging in my class. Building and strengthening classroom culture and community through shared challenges and celebrations and social-emotional learning are integral parts of my teaching philosophy, and I believe that the best classroom management happens when students see themselves reflected in the culture and take pride in creating a safe, respectful environment for everyone. I try my hardest each day to approach all situations with calmness, curiosity, and collaboration and to model self-regulation and co-regulation for and with my students so they can better understand what they need and how to ask for it.
My mantra: All behavior is a form of communication.
It's going to be a phenomenal year in 4th grade at Kruse! Thanks for being a part of it.
GO COUGARS...let's CLIMB higher together this year!