Being an elementary school teacher is about much more than teaching academic skills. It’s about nurturing curiosity, building confidence, and creating a foundation of kindness that students carry with them. We are mentors, counselors, cheerleaders, and guides, providing encouragement as children explore the world around them.
As an elementary school teacher we are able to witness important “firsts”: a student’s first independent read, solving a difficult problem, or overcoming a fear. These moments are what make teaching rewarding. Beyond academics, we also teach social skills like empathy, resilience, and teamwork, helping children build relationships and express themselves.
In short, I help students feel seen, valued, and capable. It’s both a responsibility and a privilege to help shape the hearts and minds of the future.
About Carrie Peters
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Dave, and I have been married since June 2001. We have a 16-year-old daughter, Mady, a 13-year-old son, Luke, and a 4-year-old Jack Russell terrier named Roxy.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I’m a mom, wife, teacher, daughter, sister, and friend. I grew up in Waukesha, and since marrying in 2001, my husband and I have made our home in the Waukesha County area with our two kids and our dog.
I’ve taught in the Kettle Moraine School District for 20 years, spending 19 years at Dousman Elementary before moving to Wales Elementary for my 20th year. I truly enjoy it. One of the best parts of my job is working with a diverse team—from teachers and special education staff to OT’s, speech pathologists, and more. But most of all, I value the relationships I’ve built with students and their families throughout my career.
From early on, I knew I wanted to work with kids in some capacity. My path took a bit longer, but I’m grateful for every experience along the way. I earned my Early Childhood Degree at WCTC and completed my teaching degree at Cardinal Stritch.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love experiencing life through little kid’s eyes, their joy and excitement for life. I love building those relationships with students and their families.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
One of the toughest challenges in getting to where I am now has been navigating periods of self-doubt and questioning what I should be doing to find true happiness.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
The most rewarding part of my job is the relationships I’ve built with students and families—I truly cherish them.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I want to continue to reflect and grow into the best version of me.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
I would say really reflect on what makes you the happiest or what you prioritize in your life and follow that.
Carrie Peters & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
I love all the great parks and outdoor spaces to explore but also being able to get to local shops and restaurants without having to travel very far.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
My third-grade teacher, Mrs. Diane Finger, was the person who inspired me most. We reconnected when I was a student at Cardinal Stritch, and, ironically, we both lived in the Lake Country area. She inspired me to be the best version of myself and to strive to have a similar impact on my own students as she had on me.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
There are so many to choose from! I would say I love Mama D’s for a cozy place to meet a friend for coffee or tea. My family and I love Mexican food so Sunny Side Up, a little gem in Dousman or Fiesta Cancun are our favorites. The Depot/Maxims or Lumber Inn is great for breakfast. Revere’s is always a good one too!
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Nature, Kind, Supportive.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I really enjoy my time on our treadmill while reading. Self-care, de-stressing and reading.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
I love anything by Colleen Hoover. I love watching Survivor, but I’m so far behind on episodes. My favorite movie is When Harry Met Sally.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids and my husband inspire me to be the best I can be.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
I have been trying really hard to drink as much water as I can. Teaching makes it hard to do so, but I’m trying!
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
I would love to have lunch with Mrs. Finger because it’s been a couple of years since I last saw her. Really though, lunch with any friend or family who I haven’t seen in awhile or don’t see enough would be wonderful!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to go to Vienna to see if I can find any family and see the Sound of Music like pictures my great grandma had.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Having quiet time, family time, sleeping in, getting sucked into a good book all make me really happy.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Self-care is so important. The whole saying that you can’t pour from an empty cup is key.
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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