Paula Houde, 4th Grade

I was born and raised in the Lincoln-Woodstock area; I am a graduate of Lin-Wood High School, but spent some of my elementary school years in Ossipee, New Hampshire as well as Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and finally returning to Lin-Wood in the 5th grade.  I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Plymouth State College; majoring in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Option and Psychology Minor.  I also obtained my Special Education certification through The School For Lifelong Learning.

This is my 31st year of teaching; my 22nd here at Lin-Wood.  The first 8 years of my career were spent teaching a combination first and second grade classroom in Wentworth, New Hampshire. This was an amazing experience during which I made many life-long friends and learned so many valuable life lessons.  I am fortunate to still keep in touch with a few special people who helped me become the teacher I am today (it's hard to believe they're all grown up with children of their own!)  I spent a year as an Early Literacy Teacher in Campton, New Hampshire, another wonderful learning experience and joined the Lin-Wood community in 2001. 

I first worked in the Special Education Department for a year, then moved on to Early Literacy grades K-2 and Student Support grades K-5 for 4 years, and moved to 2nd grade for seven years. Then, I was able to take on a position as Elementary Enrichment Facilitator for grades K-5. 

This was truly a wonderful experience for me and I learned so much....especially from my students!  :-) I joined Mrs. Cowles in 5th grade in 2017 and this year I ‘ve moved to fourth grade for Homeroom and Language Arts, but will also be teaching fifth grade Language Arts. 

My husband Mark and I live in North Woodstock with my mother.  Our daughter obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Vermont. She lives in southern New Hampshire and is currently employed as a clinical pharmacist. We have 2 cats, a dog, 2 birds, and I must not forget to mention all the neighborhood critters that like to visit.

When I’m not in school, I enjoy reading, the ocean, spending time at our camp in Vermont, and having quality family time both in New Hampshire and with my dad in Oklahoma.  I am also an active member of our PTA and am a coordinator of one of my most favorite Lin-Wood events-The Veterans Day Assembly!

Communication is the key to a successful parent-teacher relationship and I am happy to meet with you at any time to discuss your child.  Feel free to contact me at school to set a convenient time for us to meet.  

Thank you for sharing your most precious possession with me.  I am honored to be involved in your child's life.  :-)