Laina Tattersfield, Social Studies
I'm Mrs. Tattersfield, and I am delighted to join the Fall River Junior Senior High School team as your Social Studies Teacher. Native to Siskiyou County, I've always had a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. My early years were spent exploring the vast landscapes of Northern California, fostering a love for nature that continues to fuel my adventures.
Inspired by my grandmother's dedication to education, I embarked on a journey to become a teacher. I believe in the transformative power of education and am committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. My adventures have fueled a perpetual desire to learn, and I've developed a passion for hands-on archeology, discovering hidden treasures and unraveling the mysteries of the past.
My academic pursuits led me to Santa Rosa Junior College, where I discovered a love for astronomy and fell in love with my future husband, Austin.
During this time, we embraced the unique opportunity to work as Summit and Star Guides at Mauna Kea Observatories in Hawaii. My experience on the Big Island was extraordinary, deepening my understanding of the universe and teaching me a valuable life lesson: the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to seek new experiences and grow. This experience instilled in me the belief that by creating and seizing opportunities, we can push our boundaries and achieve remarkable things.
After Hawaii, I transferred to Sonoma State University and earned a Bachelorette in History. However, my journey as an educator began with substitute teaching in Humboldt County, where I gained invaluable experience and honed my craft. Each day in the classroom brought new challenges and opportunities, and I relished the chance to inspire and empower young minds.
After my husband graduated from Humboldt State, we embarked on a nomadic adventure, selling our belongings and purchasing an RV. Austin secured a contract with the Bureau of Land Management, allowing us to explore and live throughout the Western United States.
To pursue my educational goals, I became a part-time student in the University of Phoenix's teaching program, ultimately earning my teaching credential and Master's degree in Secondary Education.
I now call McCloud home and enjoy contributing to this vibrant community. A country girl at heart, I'm honored to be a part of the Fall River community. I look forward to sharing my knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm with our students and guiding them on their journeys of discovery and growth.
Eric Zimmerman, Social Studies
I was born and raised in Denver Colorado until I moved to the beautiful Fall River Valley when I was 13 years old. I graduated from Fall River High School in 1997. I attended Linfield College in McMinnville Oregon where I received my Bachelor of Arts in History (2001). After working a variety of different jobs, in different locations, I decided to go back to school to become a teacher. I received my teaching credential and Master of Education in Cross Cultural Teaching from National University in 2004. For the following two years I lived and worked in Japan as an English instructor at Aeon Corporation. It was while living in Japan where I met my wife Yoshiko. I started working for Fall River High School in 2006 where I have been since.
