7-12 English & Library

e-mail: tickes@custerschools.org

This is my third year teaching 7-12 English at Custer Schools, but I've taught for 19 years total. After finishing my English education degree at MSU-Billings, I spent 3 years in Power. It was a small school much like Custer and was an absolutely wonderful place to start my teaching career. I then worked at the Western Livestock Reporter for a year and quickly realized that I am meant to be in the classroom. I most recently taught at Huntley Project. While there, I earned a master's degree in instructional technology with a school library emphasis. It was a tough place to leave after so many years, but it was time to return to my family ranch on Tullock Creek. I am so glad to be back in our community. Though I graduated from Hysham High School, Custer has always been a part of my home and family. It is great to be back in this area and see the two schools working together to give our students the best opportunities possible through sports and academics. I was honestly nervous to come back and teach my peers' children, but it has been so much fun to see everyone's families evolving and get to know the new and old locals! 

Of course, I think English class is a vital part of creating productive citizens. No matter what, critical thinking skills and effective communication are always necessary! I like my classroom to be a place where students grow to meet high expectations and graduate with the skills and confidence that they are ready to take on the adult world, whether that means college, a trade, or taking over a family business.