Teaching Off Trail

I have 10 years' experience teaching Environmental Science and have loved teaching all subjects for grades 4 through 6 the last 5 years using a nature-based Montessori philosophy. I write nearly all my own curriculum to deepen the connections the students make.

I combine my Naturalist philosophy with my Montessori Upper Level training to create hands-on, cross-curricular work. I look to create active, creative, memorable work that engages as many learning styles as possible. I am constantly looking for connections between content to create more meaningful learning. I believe we learn deeply through story, so I teach through storytelling whenever possible.

My shining teaching moment is every time my son says, "I love this work!" or when my other son says, "History is my favorite subject now because we did this project!" When I see the sparkle in their eyes and know they love to learn, I know I am in the right place doing the right thing.

I earned a BS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Illinois. Six years later I earned a Masters Degree in Outdoor Education & Administration so I could teach Environmental Science. My thesis focused on using a nature-based curriculum to increase environmental literacy, which I then put into action when I got my Montessori Upper Level certification and began teaching many of my subjects from an environmental science angle.

I've worn many hats in my life, but the one that fits me best is Mom. I have most recently added Homeschool in front of "Mom" and it has been the greatest blessing of my life! I am driven to write curriculum that inspires active, curious boys to work hard and learn the Big Picture. I describe myself as a "Keeper of the Light" whose job it is to guard the sparkle in my boys' eyes. I thrive on creating, hiking, and most recently, kayaking! We'll see if I can add social media to my skill set...