“My name is Larissa Stucker, but my students know me as Mrs. Stucker!

This is my 6th year of teaching, and my first year at a new school and in a new content area. I have a dual certification in regular and special education.

I previously taught 3rd Grade Reading at a charter school, and the experience was incredibly meaningful. I loved working with my students while supporting both their academic and personal growth. They taught me so much, helping me gain confidence in my teaching and find my style. They will always hold a very special place in my heart.

Now, I have the honor of teaching Autistic Support kindergarten at Kistler Elementary in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. This change has been incredibly rewarding—I’ve already seen so much growth in my students since the beginning of the year. Of course, it’s always a team effort, and I could never take all the credit!

I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. As a child, I would have my younger cousins play school, and I would always be the teacher. I grew up attending schools in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, and it has long been my goal to return as an educator. I attended King’s College to pursue that dream, and it was there that I truly experienced the best side of teaching—seeing how children naturally gravitate to you when they feel you genuinely care. That is my ultimate goal as a teacher: I want every child I have the privilege of teaching to know just how loved and valued they are. Learning becomes so much easier in an environment where students feel safe, welcome, and supported.

A big part of my teaching style is using humor—whether it’s different accents to capture attention in 3rd grade, or silly faces and dancing with my kindergarten students now.

Every student I’ve taught has taught me something in return, and they are the reason I remain passionate about this work. I am here for the children, and they are what makes it all worth it.”