eDragon News reporter Lisa O'Donoghue recently sat down with Elizabeth Odenthal, Pennekamp's new special education teacher in PEP plus.  The PEP plus program is new to Pennekamp.    Ms. Odenthal joined us this year from Grandview Elementary, where she worked with special ed students in grades K thru 5.

How long have you been teaching?
This is my 6th year teaching special education.

Have you always wanted to be a teacher?
I have not always wanted to be a teacher, but I have definitely wanted to work with elementary students, in a school setting.  I originally wanted to be a school psychologist until I realized they spend most of their time testing and in meetings.

What do you like best about being a teacher?
I love bonding with the students!

Where are you from originally?
I am from the San Gabriel Valley.  I was born and raised in Pasadena.

Do you have family locally? Are you married or single? Any children?
Most of my family is local. My parents live in Munich Germany, and my sister lives in Sydney Australia (I know that isn't local ).  I am married (2 years), and no children yet.  I do have a dog!

Where did you go to college?
I completed my undergrad, grad and post grad work all at Loyola Marymount (LMU).

Tell me about PEP Plus.  What exactly is it?  It is new to Pennekamp, is it new to MBUSD?
PEP plus is not new to MBUSD, but is new to PK.  There is only one class that services all the elementary schools.  It is a co-teach classroom with a general education and special education teacher teaching all students together for the entire PEP day.  Then the students that benefit from direct instruction stay for an extended portion of the day in a small group setting.

Do you require any special training for it?
I have a special education teaching credential and masters degree in special education.

What do you like most about Pennekamp?
The teachers, students and parents!  The parking is also much better than GV!

What do you remember most about your grade school days?
I remember loving school!  Nothing too specific.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to read, train my dog to be a therapy dog, run, pilates, shop and spend time with my husband.

Anything else you'd like to share with the PK community about yourself?
I appreciate their warmth and acceptance.  It's been great having my program accepted on this campus!