Chandler Public Schools

Misty Cryer always wanted to be a teacher. She says she loves working with children and helping them learn. Originally from Flagler, Colorado, she attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. Misty is a first grade teacher at East Side Elementary. This is her 17^th year of her teaching career and the past 12 have been in Chandler. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2011.

Q  Did you have any teachers who influenced your decision to become an educator?
A  I always had great teachers growing up, so they set a positive example for me.

Q  What are you most excited or passionate about? 
A  I love teaching Reading.  In First Grade, they start school with very limited reading skills.  At the end of First Grade, they should leave reading fluently, and comprehending what they are reading.  The growth they make to do this is remarkable!

Q  What do you find most challenging about being a teacher?
A  Trying to be everything for every child, and teaching everything effectively that needs to be done in a day. We have many children who struggle because of outside circumstances that are affecting their learning.  More and more children are not receiving help at home and as teachers we have to bridge that gap.  

Q  What's the best thing to happen since you started teaching? 
A  My children and husband are the best things that happened to me personally. As a teacher I have had many great moments.  Each year is filled with wonderful memories.  One of my favorite projects we did was the Land Run celebration out at the Vinson’s eleven years ago.  Super Kid’s Day is also an event I help plan every year and it’s always a success. 

Q  What might students and parents be surprised to know about you?
A  I’m a twin.  My twin sister, Kimberly lives in Golden, Colorado.  We are fraternal twins.

Misty and her husband, Hunter Cryer got married eight years ago. He works at GC Tec, and is the warehouse manager.  He builds commercial garden ponds for an internet business and ships all over the world. They have two children, Abby Cherry and Blakelee Cryer. 

“Abby is a freshman at Chandler.  She is an excellent student, and has attained great success as an archer in the Archery Program at Chandler.  Blakelee is four years old, and will attend Chandler next year.  She is a bright, energetic, and extremely funny little girl.  I look forward to seeing her excel at school, like her sister has done.” said Misty.