Rebecca Thuer teaches fourth grade at Jack Barnes Elementary. She has been teaching for 29 years and has been in Arizona for 23 years.

Thuer says she came to Arizona from Chicago to visit her favorite brother. She went to a job fair and was hired on the spot, so she moved here! 

Thuer has two brothers and two sisters—she is the oldest sibling. She says that between caring for her siblings and working in her church nursery, she gained the experience that helped her decide to become a teacher. She says she has never questioned that decision, because “It is the best job ever!”

“Teaching is a great profession,” says Thuer. “I wake up every day excited to be with the kids.”

Her nurturing nature extends beyond the classroom. Thuer cares for a collection of animals and trees on her mini farm. She has horses, goat, chickens, fruit trees, nut trees and an herb garden. 

“She has a whole farm,” writes student Makayla. The kids look forward to hearing about their teacher’s farm animals each morning, notes Makayla, and at the end of the year the kids “go to her house and have a party.” 

Learning about animals and plants is an integral part of her lessons, plus, “Animals are a great way to connect with kids,” explains Thuer. 

She recalls one funny incident when an animal made a surprise appearance in class. Thuer says there was a big commotion with kids gathered around one girl. “The student put a kitten in her backpack,” explains Thuer. “She brought her baby kitten to school!”

Thuer encourages her students to get outdoors and explore the world around them. She says she remembers her own childhood filled with time exploring the woods, riding horses and being outdoors. She still enjoys being outside and advocates for her students to get away from screens and get out and do things.

“Things won’t happen if you don’t get out, explore life and live life,” she tells her students.

 Thuer loves teaching all subjects, and says that is part of what makes her a well-rounded teacher. She loves that she has former students come back to visit her, and notes that it’ one of the best parts of teaching. 

“It makes life well worth it to me,” says Thuer, “to have a job that makes me that happy.”