About Elise Harris
Elise Harris, FLVS 2015 Teacher of the Year, joined FLVS in 2008. As a middle school Social Studies teacher, she enjoys creating innovative and unconventional opportunities for student success and believes firmly that every student deserves the right to learn in their own way.
FLVS Hosts 3rd Annual Geography Bee
By Elise Harris on January 24th, 2020
This January, ten students from the FLVS Flex Geo Bee Club participated in the 3rd annual school competition of the National Geographic GeoBee. August Speisman won first place, Nathaniel Pierce placed second, and Danilo Randon finished in third place.
Led by club sponsors David Fellows and Elise Harris, the school competition is the first round in the annual National Geographic GeoBee, a geography competition designed to inspire and reward students’ curiosity about the world. Questions cover not only geography, but also ancient and world civilizations, cultures, and physical features. Continue reading
FLVS Hosts 2nd Annual Geography Bee
By Elise Harris on January 24th, 2019
Nine students from the FLVS Geography Club participated in a school-level competition of the National Geographic GeoBee on January 18, 2019.
The school-level competition is the first round in the annual National Geographic GeoBee, a geography competition designed to inspire and reward students’ curiosity about the world. Questions cover not only geography, but also cultures, physical features, history, and earth science. Congratulations to Emily Maynard, an 8th grade student, who won first place! Spencer Erickson, an 8th grade student, won second place and Emily Pino, a 7th grade student, finished in third place. Continue reading
A Virtual Teacher’s New Year’s Resolutions
By Elise Harris on December 29th, 2014
As we prepare to welcome a new year, let’s be mindful of our successes and our moments to grow.
Will you be hitting the reset button?
Educators, will you be adding to your classroom and personal routines? Parents, will you be seeking new ways to be involved in your child’s education? Students, are you setting goals or hoping to improve your study habits?
Here is my list of New Year’s resolutions as a virtual instructor: Continue reading
Unplug and Chill
By Elise Harris on October 8th, 2014
Have you unplugged today? I mean really unplugged and walked away?
It is no secret that chronic stress will make you physically ill. As teachers, we are natural givers and put other’s needs in front of our own. We must remember to take time for ourselves. All of the work will be there when we get back. And when we return after our “me-time,” we will be equipped to engage our students with sheer awesomeness!
If you’re looking for some respite, make a schedule for yourself and force a “me-time” break. It will help to find a friend or colleague to keep you honest. (I know it can be hard to walk away sometimes.) You can do it!
Got Grit?
By Elise Harris on April 17th, 2014
Bright eyed and bushy tailed I moved right from graduation to teaching geography, reading, and running a computer lab. Everyone said, your light will dim and your focus will change. Well, they were wrong.
Let the record show, that was some 10 years ago and my intentions have not changed, but have only grown stronger and more awesome. Why? Because I “got” grit and I teach my students to have grit.
How else can I prepare my students to function in the interconnected online global world that is full of competition? By never stopping to achieve their goals – that’s how! Do not be pushed down in the face of adversity. Remember, it is okay and even good to make mistakes; this is how we learn. Stand up for what you believe in. If you get knocked down, get up! Life can be hard and hurtful. Learn from this and get back to work.