The Chicken Coop

2014 - present - Tutor, Orlando, FL 2010 - present - Business Owner, Mini Me Crafts, Orlando, FL 2000 – 2014 – Science Teacher, Windy Ridge K-8, Orlando, FL 1996 – 2000 – Instructional Designer, SeaWorld, Orlando, FL 1996 – 2000 – Science Instructor, Valencia CC, Orlando, FL 1995 – 1996 – Science Teacher, Oak Ridge HS, Orlando, FL Summer 1995 – Technical Writer, FDE/OEE, Tallahassee, FL 1993 – 1995 – Science Instructor, Central Florida CC, Ocala, FL 1992 – 1993 – Science Instructor, Santa Fe CC, Gainesville, FL 1991 – 1992 – Chemist, ABC Research, Gainesville, FL 1988 – 1991 – Science Teacher, Conway MS, Orlando, FL

Science is a process not a product. In order to truly learn science, you have to experience it. Students in my class: • participate in “hands-on” science. • speak the languages of science (math and Latin). • research science topics using current technology. • read primary source documents written by famous scientists. • write scientifically. • communicate scientific findings in effective and creative ways. • cooperate with classmates to meet common goals. • respect and embrace the variety of people and ideas that share their classroom and their world. I believe that children can be self-motivators when given the opportunity to take charge of their own learning with structured guidance from a teacher. The goal is to help my students begin to engage in a process of life-long learning that is consistently fun, motivational, and challenging. Meaningful learning will help them move forward in a positive direction towards new experiences, people, and higher levels of maturity and personal growth.

NSTA Published Article, 2014 PTA Grant-Funded Author Talk with Rick Smith, 2013 Science Olympiad Sponsor, First Place in County 2008-2009 National Board Certified Teachers, 2002 HealthSouth and Coca-Cola Always Teaching Award, 2002 FDA/NSTA Food Science Professional Development Program, 2002 Girl Scouts of Citrus Council, Women of Distinction Nominee, 2002 Disney Teacherrific Award, 2001 League of Environmental Educators in Florida Mini-Grant, 2001 Keep Orlando Beautiful School Cleanup Club Award, 2001 National Gardening Association Youth Garden Grant, 2001 Windy Ridge School Team Player of the Month, 2000 SeaWorld Education department Employee of the Month, 1997 GFWC/OJWC New Member of the year award, 1997 Florida Leader magazine Best New Course Award, 1995 FDE/OEE Sharing Best Practices Award, 1995 Campus Compact Grant, 1994 Agricultural Women’s Club Scholarship, 1993 OCPS and WDW Innovative Classroom Practices Award, 1991 Conway Middle School Red Apple Award, 1991 State of Florida Masters Fellowship Grant, 1987 Army ROTC Scholarship, 1983 Chick-fil-A Scholarship, 1983 Girl Scout Gold Award, 1983

Master of Forest Resources and Conservation in Ecology University of Florida, 1993 Master of Education in Science Education University of Florida, 1988 Bachelor of Science in Zoology University of Florida, 1987

National Board Certified Teacher (EA Science) (2002-2012) Florida Professional Educator’s Certificate (2013-2017) • Biology 6-12 • Chemistry 6-12 • Middle Grades Endorsement • Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum (5-9) • Gifted Endorsement