Alana Cagle
Hello, and Welcome to Second Grade! I look forward to working with you and your child this year!
I am a native Austinite. I grew up in Southwest Austin where I attended Oak Hill Elementary, O. Henry Middle School, and Stephen F. Austin High School. I left Austin to attend Hendrix College, in Conway, Arkansas, where I graduated with distinction and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics. A few years after returning to Austin, I earned a Master in Education, with specializations in Reading and English as a Second Language (ESL), from Texas State University. I hold state certifications in General Ed. 1-8, Reading 1-8, ESL 1-12, and Gifted and Talented.
I am entering my seventeenth year of teaching and my eleventh year at Rooster Springs Elementary (RSES). Before coming to RSES, I taught in Austin ISD at Zavala Elementary (2nd grade), Travis Heights Elementary (2nd grade) and Allison Elementary (1st grade). As a primary teacher, I have gained extensive experience working with emergent and beginning readers, English Language Learners and Gifted and Talented students. While teaching at Allison Elementary, I completed a year long research study, working directly with dyslexic and struggling readers. It is from this in depth study, that I base much of my phonological and phonemic awareness instruction. I also serve on the DSISD GT Assessment Committee and the DSISD GT Parent Advisory Committee.
I am married to my best friend, Phil (aka "Dr. Davis"). We have two amazing daughters, Avery (sophomore at Hendrix College) and Hayden (freshman at Centenary College of Louisiana). Throughout the year, you may hear silly stories about my family, as well as my "petting zoo". My "petting zoo" consists of 4 cats (Sage, Haley, Jezebel, and Little Man (AKA The Dude)), and 2 golden retrievers (Finlay and Hemi). Phil and I enjoy traveling together, much of which is linked to visiting the girls at school and watching Hayden compete. Avery is Math major, minoring in The Classics. She serves as the Senator of her dorm, as well as the President of the dorm council. You may also know her as "Coach Avery" from the Belterra Marlins. Hayden is a Psychology major and competes for the Centenary Ladies Gymnastics Team. She also coaches USAG Compulsory Levels 2-5 at Austin Elite Gymnastics Training Center. Much of our spring is dedicated to traveling to her gymnastics competitions around the country. We are looking forward to watching her compete at the college level. Phil is a physical therapist and has a practice, The Training Room, in downtown Austin. On the weekends, he is a professor at the University of St. Augustine. In addition to being a teacher, I am a long distance runner and seek races in places I love to visit or wish to explore. I attend pilates 5 days a week before coming to school. Gotta get ready for the day! I also enjoy gardening, hiking, reading and crafting.
I am grateful for the opportunity to work with you and your child to create a rewarding and successful year. It is my goal to create a safe, caring and fun environment for all learners. As your partner and your child's teacher, I will provide positive classroom management and discipline, acceptance, and a place where risks can be taken and mistakes are expected. As a team, I know we will have a fantastic, fun filled year!
I am a native Austinite. I grew up in Southwest Austin where I attended Oak Hill Elementary, O. Henry Middle School, and Stephen F. Austin High School. I left Austin to attend Hendrix College, in Conway, Arkansas, where I graduated with distinction and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics. A few years after returning to Austin, I earned a Master in Education, with specializations in Reading and English as a Second Language (ESL), from Texas State University. I hold state certifications in General Ed. 1-8, Reading 1-8, ESL 1-12, and Gifted and Talented.
I am entering my seventeenth year of teaching and my eleventh year at Rooster Springs Elementary (RSES). Before coming to RSES, I taught in Austin ISD at Zavala Elementary (2nd grade), Travis Heights Elementary (2nd grade) and Allison Elementary (1st grade). As a primary teacher, I have gained extensive experience working with emergent and beginning readers, English Language Learners and Gifted and Talented students. While teaching at Allison Elementary, I completed a year long research study, working directly with dyslexic and struggling readers. It is from this in depth study, that I base much of my phonological and phonemic awareness instruction. I also serve on the DSISD GT Assessment Committee and the DSISD GT Parent Advisory Committee.
I am married to my best friend, Phil (aka "Dr. Davis"). We have two amazing daughters, Avery (sophomore at Hendrix College) and Hayden (freshman at Centenary College of Louisiana). Throughout the year, you may hear silly stories about my family, as well as my "petting zoo". My "petting zoo" consists of 4 cats (Sage, Haley, Jezebel, and Little Man (AKA The Dude)), and 2 golden retrievers (Finlay and Hemi). Phil and I enjoy traveling together, much of which is linked to visiting the girls at school and watching Hayden compete. Avery is Math major, minoring in The Classics. She serves as the Senator of her dorm, as well as the President of the dorm council. You may also know her as "Coach Avery" from the Belterra Marlins. Hayden is a Psychology major and competes for the Centenary Ladies Gymnastics Team. She also coaches USAG Compulsory Levels 2-5 at Austin Elite Gymnastics Training Center. Much of our spring is dedicated to traveling to her gymnastics competitions around the country. We are looking forward to watching her compete at the college level. Phil is a physical therapist and has a practice, The Training Room, in downtown Austin. On the weekends, he is a professor at the University of St. Augustine. In addition to being a teacher, I am a long distance runner and seek races in places I love to visit or wish to explore. I attend pilates 5 days a week before coming to school. Gotta get ready for the day! I also enjoy gardening, hiking, reading and crafting.
I am grateful for the opportunity to work with you and your child to create a rewarding and successful year. It is my goal to create a safe, caring and fun environment for all learners. As your partner and your child's teacher, I will provide positive classroom management and discipline, acceptance, and a place where risks can be taken and mistakes are expected. As a team, I know we will have a fantastic, fun filled year!
More Information about Ms. Cagle
Birthday: April 1
Favorite Colors: turquoise, orange
Hobbies: running, gardening, reading, traveling, crafting, cheering for my children
I love: teaching, spending time with my family and friends, exploring new places, shopping, trying new restaurants
Favorite places to shop: Embellish Nails & Boutique, Amazon, Southwest Airlines, Ann Taylor Loft, HomeGoods, Nordstroms
Favorite restaurants: Verdes, Epicure, Torchy's, Blue Fin Sushi
Favorite treats: Sonic Diet Cherry Limeade, Unsweet Iced Tea with Lemon, homemade cookies and brownies,
sour balls candy, trail mix
Favorite Colors: turquoise, orange
Hobbies: running, gardening, reading, traveling, crafting, cheering for my children
I love: teaching, spending time with my family and friends, exploring new places, shopping, trying new restaurants
Favorite places to shop: Embellish Nails & Boutique, Amazon, Southwest Airlines, Ann Taylor Loft, HomeGoods, Nordstroms
Favorite restaurants: Verdes, Epicure, Torchy's, Blue Fin Sushi
Favorite treats: Sonic Diet Cherry Limeade, Unsweet Iced Tea with Lemon, homemade cookies and brownies,
sour balls candy, trail mix