My name is Emily Blanke and I am thrilled to be joining the JCS Mountain Oaks family this fall! Originally from Barrington, Illinois, I recently moved from Chicago to California and now call La Jolla my home. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I learned about inquiry-based teaching methods. I am also endorsed in English as a Second Language (ESL), which helps me support students from different linguistic backgrounds. With two years of experience teaching first grade in a suburban Chicago school district, I have become skilled in differentiating instruction and focusing on student-centered learning.

My teaching philosophy revolves around fostering a growth mindset and creating a positive and joyful classroom environment. I strongly believe that compassion and resilience are key elements of effective teaching, and I aim to inspire our students to embrace challenges and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy watching movies with my favorite snack, popcorn. I also find joy in shopping, staying active through workouts, and spending quality time with my loved ones. Exploring the beautiful California coastline is a particular delight for me, as I find relaxation and peace on the beach.

I am genuinely excited to contribute to the JCS Mountain Oaks community, making a positive impact on our students’ lives by instilling a passion for learning and empowering them to reach their full potential.