My name is Amy Sommer-Gaefke, but my students call me Mrs. G.  I was hired as the Life Skills Teacher at Carmichaels Elementary in 2014, and I consider myself lucky to get to come to work each day with this amazing group of students!  Our classroom community is such an interactive environment that allows for constant opportunities for discovery and growth!  Whether we are studying Reading, Math, Science, or Social Studies, we have fun as we engage in hands-on activities and expand our knowledge and understanding of such a broad array of topics!

I am a 1997 graduate of California University of Pennsylvania, where I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education.  I taught 4^th and 5^th grades in a Catholic school in Greentree, PA prior to becoming a stay-at-home mother to my 2 older sons, Luke (17) and Jesse (14).  I always knew I wanted to return to the career that I loved, and began “getting my feet wet” in the classroom again in 2009, as a substitute teacher.  I earned my English as a Second Language Certification in 2012 from Intermediate Unit 1.  I am also proud to be a 2013 graduate of Waynesburg University, where I earned my Master’s of Education in Special Education.  I was hired to teach ESL in several school districts in Greene County in 2013, and greatly enjoyed traveling to different schools (one of which was Carmichaels Elementary) working with students as they adjusted to their new country and language.  However, when the opportunity came along to join the Carmichaels family full-time, I didn’t hesitate!  I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful learning community!

When not teaching at CASD, I most enjoy spending time with my 3 sons; Luke (17), Jesse (14), and Henry (5); as well as with my husband, Chris.  We have one cat, Rosa, and several “unnamed” fish!  We love the outdoors, and traveling to West Virginia and Virginia to visit my family.   I also enjoy reading, cooking, and look forward every year to our trip to the beach!