Meet Kristen Driskill, Rochester K-12 Educator Examiner

October 12, 10:52 AMRochester Family & Parenting ExaminerAndrea Coventry

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Photo courtesy of Kristen Driskill

Learn more about the city by meeting the Rochester Examiners!  Kristen Driskill offers insight into our city, as well as providing valuable information about education.

Please introduce yourself and your channel.

My name is Kristen Driskill, and I am the Rochester K-12 Education Examiner. 

How long have you lived in Rochester?

I was a student at SUNY Geneseo for four years, then lived in Rochester for another four years.  I moved away and traveled with my husband who was in the army for five years, and now I am back!

What are some of your favorite childhood memories from Rochester, if you grew up here?

I didn't grow up here, but some of my favorite memories are doing fall things like haunted hayrides and pumpkin picking with my students.

What are your favorite local places for outdoor family fun?

Gro-Moore Farms is fun this time of year.  I just took my kids last weekend and we got to pick out pumpkins, play in a bounce house, pet goats, and other fun farm stuff!

What are your favorite local places for indoor family fun?

I can't say enough about !  My kids LOVE it!!!  It's totally affordable, and the kids can jump around, have fun, and get out all that energy in a safe environment.  I also love Strong Museum of Play.  It's so much fun to watch your kids learn in such a motivating way.

What are your favorite family-friendly restaurants?

Wow, there are just so many, but I guess my favorites are Friendly's, Applebee's, and Red Robin.

What are your favorite local family-friendly events?

I haven't taken my own kids yet, but I used to love taking my students to Frontier Field to see the Rhinos or Red Wings play.

Why is Rochester a great place for families?

There is just so much to do here!  Once I had my kids elsewhere, I couldn't wait to come back.  There is such a wholesome feel to Rochester, and you definitely are never at a loss for something to do!

Why did you choose your topic?

I have been an educator for about ten years now.  In that time, I have been able to reach out and help many students, parents, and fellow teachers find success in my own school or district.  Now that I have moved back and have my own children, I have more of a stake in local education.  So that, coupled with my own professional experiences, has driven me to want to reach more families and educators in the area.

What is your background?

I am certified as an elementary education teacher, special education teacher, and reading specialist.  I have completed my coursework in my Doctor of Education program, and will soon be a Doctor of Educational Leadership/Curriculum and Instruction once I complete my research for my dissertation.  I taught for the Rochester City School District for 4 years as a special education teacher, the New York City School District for 1 year as a special education teacher, and Department of Defense Schools for 2 years as a reading specialist.  I currently am an Instructional Specialist for the Office of School Improvement within the Midwest Regional School Support Center, which is housed with Monroe #1 BOCES.  I am also faculty at the University of Phoenix and teach online graduate classes in the School of Education.  Finally, I am the Regional Coordinator for Learner First, which provides online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

How can families and parents benefit from reading your articles?

I provide a wide range of information, for students, parents, and teachers.  Families can benefit from reading my articles by being kept abreast of the latest news in the K-12 education arena here in Rochester, as well as being kept informed of ways to help children succeed.

Please share a few links that you specifically think families and parents should read.

If parents are interested in tutoring for their children, they should really look into Learner First.  For the latest in updates in educational news, parents should read the U.S. Department of Education site and the New York State Education Department site.  The National PTA  has a lot of great resources, as does the New York State PTA.  Finally, if parents are concerned about various issues  they may see with their child, Parent Resources is a great source of information.

How can readers find out more about you?

Aside from subscribing to my page, readers can follow me on Facebook. 

How can readers contact you?

Readers can email me at kdriskill77@gmail.com, or contact me in my group on Facebook.

What else would you like to share with readers?

I am really looking to help as many parents, students, and teachers in the area, so please spread the word!  Subscribe to my page, pass around my link, and help me make Rochester the most informed city when it comes to K-12 education!