Hi!  I have over 14 years of teaching experience in Special Education.  I originally received my Bachelors Degree from Ohio University and worked as a Certified Recreation Therapist until I found my love of teaching and working more with kids (of all ages).  I still have a love for adaptive sports and working with people of all ages in a recreation setting like skiing or canoeing.   I received a Masters of Arts in Education degree in 2005 from the University of Findlay.  My teaching certificate was transferred to a Special Education Generalist (ages 5-21) for the state of Colorado.  Middle School is my favorite group of students to work with because I like to ignite that spark to help them reach their goals and build that self-confidence.  After some contemplation, I decided I wanted a new adventure in both work and life.  I decided to make a huge move from Ohio to Colorado Springs!  My family and I made that trek in about mid-June 2021 with our dogs, a car, and a U-Haul.  It was rough, but we made it.  I'm glad and forever grateful for the opportunity to work at Falcon Middle School.  I have met many great co-workers and students who are kind, helpful, and have made the transition an easier one.  

       This year I am teaching in the 6th grade co-taught classes of Reading, Writing, and Math for both the Red and Gold Teams.  I also have one Resource class where I assist students with their IEP goals, progress monitoring, and other classwork needs.  During my advisory class, we focus on social emotional learning, teambuilding, and sources of strength lessons.  

      In order to contact me:  via email-  rbird@d49.org

                                          via phone- (719) 495-5232 extension 4065