She earned her bachelor of science in education from Pittsburg State University, and has taught in first and second grades.

” I was born and raised in the best town in the country! Fort Scott, Kansas!,” Arnold said.

In her spare time, Arnold likes to garden, raise cattle and chickens, sew, crochet, “go junking” and redo antiques, attend concerts, work out (especially yoga), travel, hike,  and spend time with family and friends, she said.

How did you become an educator?

“I decided at age eight that I wanted to become a teacher. Even at the age of three, I was saying I wanted to be a teacher. “

Is there someone who inspired you to teach?

“I became an elementary teacher for many reasons. The one who inspired the most would be my mom who has taught for over 30 years. Her care and love she shows her students inspires me daily to become a better teacher. I also have had many aunts, uncles, cousins and a grandma who have been in education and inspired me as well.”

What is the best part of teaching for you?

“The students. I dearly treasure each day with my students. I love getting to know them and building good teacher-students relationships. Watching them grow positively in social, emotional and educational skills gives me so much joy. I love hearing about the new dog they got over the weekend, the tooth that got yanked out by a string and a door or the flat tire they had while going to see their grandparents.”

What are the greatest challenges?

“Saying goodbye to the students at the end of the year is hardest for me. I’m so excited and celebrate their success of accomplishing a year of growth but the goodbyes are hard.”

“I treasure each moment I get to have with my students and do my very best to help them grow positively in every way,” Arnold said.” I am so ready to get this school year started and meet my awesome future students!”