I live in Oklahoma but have been a special education teacher in Kansas since 1995. I have taught grades K-6 and provide support to students who have learning disabilities, mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, are on the Autism spectrum and behavioral needs.
My teaching style includes building strong relationships with students before trying to work on academics. I love to teach using stories that are relatable to a child's life experiences. I incorporate fun, structure and routines into every day.
In 2007, I was named Special Educator of the Year for the state of Kansas and in 2015 I received the great honor of being named to the Kansas Teacher of the Year Team and got to travel the state visiting schools, talking to legislators and collaborating with some amazing administrators and educators.
I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Oklahoma State University in December of 1994 and finished my Master's in Elementary Education in December of 1997. I am also endorsed in English as a Second Language.
I am an adjunct professor at Seward County Community College where I teach Intro to Education. I am the founder and creator of the Sped Prep Academy® whose main purpose is to provide other special educators with the professional development they need to be successful and thrive in this field. This includes online courses, the Sped Prep Academy Podcast, a free resource library and support through a community of life-long learners.
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, Homeschool, Staff, Not Grade Specific
English Language Arts, Balanced Literacy, Reading, Specialty, Math, Applied Math, Basic Operations, Numbers, Other (Math), Science, Basic Principles, Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Other (Specialty), Other (ELA), Life Skills, Critical Thinking, For All Subjects, Classroom Management, Professional Development, Instructional Technology, Library Skills, Problem Solving, Reading Strategies, Holidays/Seasonal, Back to School, Mental Math, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Place Value, Products For TpT Sellers, For All Subjects, Occupational Therapy, For Administrators, Vocational Education, Coaching, Early Intervention, School Psychology, Phonics, Classroom Community, Social Emotional Learning