Getting to Know Miss Lutz

      Hello! I’m Miss Lutz, and I’m an elementary educator who believes deeply in the kind of teaching that makes kids feel seen, supported, and genuinely excited to learn. Throughout my preparation at Saginaw Valley State University, I had the privilege of learning in a wide range of classrooms; from energetic first graders discovering how producers and consumers shape their world, to curious fifth graders building line plots and exploring the Columbian Exchange, to thoughtful third graders finding their voices through writing. Every placement, lesson, and student has shaped the teacher I’ve become, and honestly, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

      My teaching style blends structure with creativity. I love bringing math to life through inquiry-based routines, colorful anchor charts, and hands-on data collection. In literacy and social studies, I’m passionate about helping students build identity, intellect, and joy through meaningful texts, rich discussions, and writing that actually matters to them. I’ve also gained extensive experience using real assessment practices. From Bridges math checklists and line-plot data collection to phonics interventions and long-term student growth analysis. These tools help me truly understand learners and guide them in a way that feels supportive, not stressful.

      A significant part of my professional growth also came from stepping outside the traditional classroom. I spent two summers working at Tripp Lake Camp in Maine, where I taught and wrote lessons for Pottery class, lived with campers, facilitated daily activities, and learned (quickly) how to build community, keep kids safe, and create joy-filled routines in a setting that runs from sunrise to lights-out. The experience strengthened my classroom management, collaboration, and adaptability more than anything else. I also worked as a Birthday Party Specialist at Greater Midland Community Center, which taught me how to connect with families, manage high-energy groups, and bring a sense of fun and calm to even the busiest moments.

      At the heart of everything I do is a simple goal: to build a classroom where every student feels valued, challenged, and joyful. I believe in culturally responsive teaching, building relationships first, and celebrating students’ strengths, not just their struggles. Teaching is the work that fills me up the most, and I’m beyond excited to continue growing as an educator who makes a real difference in students’ lives.