mrs. Alison VanOverbeke
More about Ms. Carpenter
"The core of a mans spirit comes from new experiences." -Chris McCandless
Hello out there! My name is Miss Alison Carpenter. I am a teacher, creator, adventurer, and lifelong learner. Born on a farm in Goodrich, Michigan and raised in the suburb of Grand Blanc, I will always be "Smitten with the Mitten."
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Click the pic to see more of my Marley Dog
Despite my love for the Great Lake State, I have called Chicago, IL "home" since 2010. It is here my dog, Marley, found me. Together, Marley and I enjoy the mix of city life, parks, and the lakefront.
Waianae High School, Hawaii
WHS, Hawaii
WHS, Hawaii
Fun Fridays!
As a teacher, I have taught middle school students in the suburbs of northeast Michigan, high school students in rural Hawaii on Oahu’s leeward coast, and college courses in the urban city of Chicago, Illinois. I have also substitute taught just about every age and subject while in Chicago (Pre-K - grade 12).
These teaching experiences and more have not only allowed me to teach a wide range of students, but they have also offered me the opportunity to learn and grow myself, both personally and professionally.
As a creator, I have written countless essays and one book-length manuscript. I have also dabbled in film and am developing a deep interest in the photo and video essay.
I also love playing with tools and scroll saws, pallets and other peoples trash. Without a doubt, I am an up-cycler and a DIY-er. Check out some of my work below and follow me on Pinterest!
I'm in the early stages of starting a my own local art agency: chaliway arts. Chaliway was cofounded with my partner, Chad. We are currently focusing on concepts of "home" and "pride" utilizing recycled goods found throughout Chicago's alleyways. Check out the art or place an order at:
As an adventurer, I have traversed both the Rockies and the Alps, swam with sharks in the Pacific, and paddled the largest National Lakeshore in the United States. While I have primarily lived in the midwest, I have also lived in both Wyoming and Hawaii.
True adventurers go beyond. As such, I have backpacked through Europe twice, studied film in Italy, traveled to Canada, Mexico, and more.
My study abroad experience not only yielded great experiences for me, but it has also allowed me to capture bits of culture for me to share with students.
Check out my trips to Florence, Rome, and Venice.
To me, Life is one grand adventure and with each new experience is something to learn. I hope to continue traveling the world, teaching the Humanities through English Language Arts, and essaying my observations. Someday I hope to take students on Study Abroad trips, climb Kilimajaro with the women of WHOA Travel, visit Morocco to see the oldest university in the world, and of course, own a pet goat.
It is because of my amazing friends, family, and education that I am who I am today.
I attended Grand Blanc High School in Michigan where I learned from (and try to emulate) some of the greatest teachers in the world (online shout out to Mrs. Susan Thomas and Ms. Ava Butzu!).
From 2004-2008, I went on to earn a Bachelors of Arts in Secondary English Education and K-12 Physical Education from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (GO BLUE!).
In 2013, I received a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Creative Nonfiction from Columbia College Chicago; it was here I learned how to think more critically and essay life in a multitude of mediums.
Scroll down to "Professional Documents" for more on my education, teaching experience, etc.
@ Lincoln Park Zoo
Met in Chicago, now live all over the country...
@ Lincoln Park Zoo
Throughout this journey called Life, my friends, family, and teachers have not only been there supporting me, they have also pushed me to look outside myself, to lend a helping hand within my community and to fight for what is right worldwide. In turn, community service from a local to a global scale has become an integral part of my own humanity. It is also something I try to instill in my students through class projects.
The Dream
To teach, travel, read, write, create, and grow--both personally and professionally
To teach high school Humanities course
To take students on study abroad trips to places they have read about and dreamed of
To teach evening and summer college reading and/or writing courses
To give my time and services when and where they are needed
To be a profound professional, an inspiration to students, a fantastic coworker, friend, and family member