Andrea Briggs has taught at Canterbury Elementary School for 17 years – the first five as a first grade teacher and the last 12 as a kindergarten teacher. She also serves on the Canterbury TAP, PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports), and the Social Committee, and coaches the Girls Lacrosse team for fifth and sixth graders.
Mrs. Briggs knew when she was in kindergarten that she wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. She adored her teacher, Mrs. Joyce Collins, who sent her flowers and a card when she found out that Mrs. Briggs had been hired in the district. “It was so special that after all of the time that had passed she still cared about me and my successes.” The best part of being a kindergarten teacher for her is witnessing the magic of the 5 year old which is visible every day. From the excitement they have about the smallest things to the extreme amount of growth made in a year, she says “every day is truly an adventure.” She also values the time she spends collaborating with her kindergarten colleagues in the district to support and advocate for “what is best for our youngest learners.”
It’s not only the position, Andrea Briggs enjoys. She says, “Canterbury is a wonderful place. The families are involved, the students are engaged and kind, and the staff really care about one another.” And she has high praise for the other CHUH Schools which she is aware of from growing up in the district but also because her children attend Noble Elementary and Monticello Middle School, and from serving on the Noble PTA. “Each one of the schools in the district has something truly unique and special about them. I find myself in awe of the dedication and creativity of the Noble staff and families. And the wrap around support and communication of the Monticello staff has amazed me.”
Mrs. Briggs attended Fairfax Elementary, Roxboro Middle, and graduated from Heights High with the Glenn Altschuld Scholarship for future teachers. She received her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University and a Masters Degree in Elementary Math from Western Governors University. In 2023, she was awarded the Tom Schmida Teacher Leader Award which “seeks to recognize Cleveland Heights Teachers Union members who touch the lives of students every day as well as advocate for our profession.”
Andrea met her husband at Heights High and they knew that they wanted to raise their children “in this amazing community.” They have 3 children: Laila (7th grader at Monticello Middle), Logan (3rd grader at Noble) and Leia (1st grader at Noble) who are involved in gymnastics, swimming, dance, lacrosse, and soccer. Andrea enjoys working out at Burn Bootcamp, trying to take care of plants, searching for milkweed plants for caterpillars, and hanging out with family and friends.
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