Kirsten Ingbretsen returns to teach sixth grade at Idyllwild School. Photo courtesy Kirsten Ingbretsen
Kirsten Ingbretsen returns to teach sixth grade at Idyllwild School.
Photo courtesy Kirsten Ingbretsen

Kirsten Ingbretsen returns to Idyllwild School as full-time faculty after an absence of several years. She will be teaching sixth-grade language arts and social studies and also heading the Associated Student Body. “I’m thrilled to be returning to Idyllwild Elementary in my former position and am grateful for this new chapter in my life,” she said. “I’m completely focused on the education and well-being of my students and am excited to begin the new school year.”

Ingbretsen brings solid credentials and experience to her teaching position. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human development from Azusa Pacific University, as well as a master’s in education from the same institution. She also holds a California professional clear multiple subject K-8 credential with a supplemental in English.

In the interim since previously teaching at Idyllwild School, Ingbretsen taught at River Springs Charter School in Temecula as an education specialist K-12, at Idyllwild Arts Academy as a substitute ESL and American literature instructor, and as a K-5 teacher at California Virtual Academies based in San Diego.

From 1997 through 2008, Ingbretsen taught fourth and sixth grades for the Department of Defense in Okinawa, seventh- and eighth-grade language arts, social studies and drama for the San Jacinto Unified School District and also served as an assistant superintendent for education services.

Ingbretsen said she believes use of technology is an especially effective teaching tool with today’s youth. Eric Ebert, educational technologist at her former school in Okinawa, said this of Ingbretsen, “She consistently uses technology to engage her students, using her classroom webpage as a parent/teacher communication tool and as an instructional tool for students.”

Ingbretsen is one of three new teachers IS Principal Matt Kraemer, faculty and staff will be welcoming when school begins Monday, Aug. 10. Marcie Curcie and Erica Dillon are the others and will be profiled in next week’s edition. Jessie Ornelas-Mares will be on campus three days a week as school counselor and will also be profiled in a subsequent edition.

For more about Idyllwild School visit http://idyllwild.hemetusd.org/.