Welcome to 4^th Grade!  If you are new to Longview, look out, we are all about making learning fun, exciting, and rewarding.  Our motto here is, “If it is worth doing, it is worth celebrating!”  Here is your chance to get to know a little about me before we embark on this adventurous year.

I have 37 years of life experience.  I have taught for a total of 12 years!  Unfortunately that is longer than you have been alive!  So, YES, I AM ancient!  I grew up in the very small town of McCrory, Arkansas and was a cheerleader throughout high school. Those who have met me are not surprised.  I tend to be loud and love to talk! I am the oldest of four.  I have two sisters and a brother, tragically my brother passed away in 2007 but he lives on in my memories and heart.  I also have a precious niece, Evan Marie, who I love dearly.  Her pictures are scattered throughout my classroom!  I graduated college from Arkansas State University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. After graduation, I taught 5th grade in Marion, Arkansas for 6 years. I moved to Tennessee in 2003. I taught 4th grade at Chapman's for 4 years and have been at Longview for two. In December of 2007, I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with my masters in Educational Leadership.   I take lifelong learning to heart and hope to soon begin working on my doctorate.

My husband, Caleb, is a detective and has been working for the City of Spring Hill but will be starting a new job with the State of Tennessee real soon. We do not have children but are blessed with two precious puppies.  Jake, 14 year old yellow lab is my baby! He is spoiled rotten. Tucker, 4 year old boxer, tends to eat anything and everything around the house! I am sure you will hear me tell a lot of stories about the two of them!

I am a HUGE AR Razorback fan. One of my former students is currently playing the Razorbacks.  His name is Jerry Franklin and he is number 34.  I cheer a little harder for him!  Caleb graduated from UT so we truly are a house divided and it gets a little crazy around our house during football season. I love all kinds of sports! Sorry, in advance, to all you UT/BAMA/Auburn fans out there! I am loyal to my HOGS! Speaking of HOGS, my husband and I share a love for riding our Harley Davidson motorcycles.  Who knows, you may just see Mrs. Utterback riding a motorcycle to school one day!  I also have a passion for reading.   Growing up, I never liked to read until my 4^th grade teacher turned me on to Pippy Longstockings.  I owe my love of reading to her.  Being a teacher, I usually read children's literature although I sneak a Danielle Steele or a John Grisham in there every now and then. Gary Paulsen is my favorite children’s author! He writes stories about adventures and surviving in nature.  I can’t wait to share some of his adventures with you! 

I believe learning can and should be fun!  My motto is work smarter, not harder and I try my best to keep that theme when teaching.  I love challenges and the excitement and satisfaction you get once you have worked through a challenge.  I attempt to give my students that feeling everyday they are in my class.  Learning is a journey not just a task.  So I hope you and I get to go along this journey together and make 4^th grade your best year ever!