Language Arts 6

Mrs. Belleau is thrilled to embark on a new teaching journey, instructing both 7th and 6th grade Language Arts, along with Leadership this year. A bit about her background: she hails from Southern California and made the move to St. George in 2022, where she resides with her husband, four children, and their beloved puppy Penny. They have found immense joy in their new home. Mrs. Belleau earned her Bachelor's Degree in English and Liberal Studies from the University of Redlands, proudly supporting the Bulldogs! Later, she pursued her Masters in Educational Administration from Hope International University.

With a decade of teaching experience under her belt, split evenly between sixth and seventh grade, Mrs. Belleau brings a wealth of expertise to her classroom. She spent seven years at San Gorgonio Middle School before joining her Gila Family for the past two years. Family holds a special place in her heart, being the oldest of seven siblings. Mrs. Belleau cherishes spending time with her loved ones, whether it's hanging out, reading, hiking, enjoying music, playing board games, dancing, traveling, or simply relaxing by the pool or beach. If there's water or food involved, you can count her in.

Mrs. Belleau's passion for teaching stems from her dedication to her students. She finds immense fulfillment in helping them discover their potential and grasp new concepts. Her goal is to collaborate with both students and parents to ensure a successful year navigating Intermediate school. She is eagerly looking forward to beginning this journey with her students and their families.

• Bachelor's in English and Liberal Studies - University of Redlands
• Master's in Educational Administration - Hope International University

Mrs. Duraes has had a rich and diverse journey in both her personal and professional life. Born in 1966, she joined the Air Force in 1988 and served until 1991, stationed overseas at Lajes Field, Azores, an island off the coast of Portugal. It was during this time that she met her husband, Antonio, with whom she has shared 31 years of marriage. Together, they have raised two remarkable children: Tyler, who graduated from the University of Utah with a Doctorate in Audiology, and Sofia, an exceptional artist. However, Mrs. Duraes now finds her greatest joy in her role as the primary caregiver for her six-year-old granddaughter, Aurora.

Her educational journey has taken her across continents and through various fields of study. Mrs. Duraes attended college in Portugal, California, and Colorado, ultimately graduating with a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Maryland in 1997. After residing in California for a few years, she and her family settled in St. George in 1998, captivated by its stunning landscapes. Continuing her academic pursuits, Mrs. Duraes completed her degree in Elementary Education from Southern Utah University in 2001, with endorsements in Reading, ESL, and Technology. Her dedication to education led her to earn a Master’s in Education from SUU in 2017.

With twenty-two years of teaching experience under her belt, Mrs. Duraes has made a significant impact in the field of education. She spent three years at La Verkin Elementary, followed by two years at Bloomington Elementary, before finding her home at Lava Ridge Intermediate, where she has dedicated seventeen years to nurturing young minds.

• Southern Utah University (SUU) - Master of Education
• Southern Utah University (SUU) - B.S. Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology
• University of Maryland University College (UMUC) - B.S. Business with a minor in Psychology