About Ms. Gehlsen
	I was born and raised in Virginia. I grew up with four younger brothers, so I'm not surprised I decided to become a teacher. A classroom full of sixth graders does not scare me! I had a great eighth grade English teacher, and I knew that's what I wanted to be when I grew up.
	I graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2006 with my Bachelor's degree in English, concentration in Language Arts, and a minor in Psychology. I then got my Master's in Teaching, also from CNU, in 2007. My teaching certification is in English 6-12. I had the opportunity to student teach in Panama City, Panama for almost two months. It was quite an experience! This is my second year here at Grafton Middle. I love teaching here, and couldn't imagine doing anything else.
	Being a Virginia native means that I am a WASHINGTON REDSKINS fan! During football season, students receive homework to watch the game over the weekend. Go Skins!
	I also LOVE cats (especially black & white ones)! The one on the left is my cat. Like any good pet of an English teacher, she loves to read and be read to! The cat on the right is the cat I grew up with.