| Mr. Vlaardingerbroek 
My students and parents are always curious about my life outside of school, so I thought I'd share a little about myself! Although I love teaching, I do enjoy other activites as well. I enjoy going running just about every week on the Duke Trail with my dog Juliette. I also like to waterski, golf, and coach Track at Trinity School in Durham. I grew up in Naples, FL and was born July 28, 1983. My mom is from New Jersey and my Dad is from Holland (hence the name Vlaardingerbroek). I have an older brother who lives in Gainesville, FL. He and his wife have two children. Their names are Connor (3 1/2) and Cole (1 year) and I love them to death!
I went to college at The University of Florida! Go Gators! I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in the Summer of 2006. I then returned to Naples and taught 2nd grade Aug. '06 through June '07 at Laurel Oak Elementary. I started teaching 4th grade at Easley Elementary in the '08 - '09 school year, and have loved every second of it! :) I got married on September 10, 2011; and am very excited to be a Newlywed! I could not have asked for a more loving, caring, woman to spend the rest of my life with! My amazing wife is a 1st Grade teacher in Chapel Hill at Mary Scroggs Elementary School.
When I was in elementary school I used to play the piano and recorder. I learned how to play the guitar on a mission trip to Jamaica back in 2000. I taught myself and have loved playing ever since! It really helps me relax any time I play. I have traveled all around the United States, as well as Jamaica and Peru. When I am older, I would also like to travel the world; which hopefully will happen one day. Being a teacher means everything to me! I want to make a difference in every child with whom I come in contact. Teaching is my passion; and if I can get children to try their best no matter what they are putting their mind to, then my teaching them will have been a success. | 
