Turner's Teaching Treats

I began my teaching career in 2008 in Gainesville, Florida. I taught there for six years before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia where I currently teach. I have taught both as a general education and special education teacher. I have embraced and enjoyed both roles. I love working with all types of learners. I have mentored pre-service and veteran teachers. I am a current teacher leader in my school. I have a drive for collaborating with other teachers so that the overall practice and art of teaching can be improved.

My teaching style is hands-on, interactive and collaborative. I prefer for students to work at their own pace. I like to have students choose how they would like to present their knowledge (within given parameters). I like to integrate technology especially when the students are doing inductive lessons. My students do literacy and math workstations daily. Students work in small groups and have guided reading and math groups. We also do project based learning. Basically, if it is hands-on, interactive and engaging, we do it! :)

I have had the privilege of attending and presenting at several conferences since becoming a teacher in 2008. I have presented on topics relating to co-teaching and the inclusive model of education. I have also assisted with educational research through the University of Florida. From 2010-2014, I served as a mentor teacher for pre-service teachers for the University of Florida PROTEACH program. In 2009, I won the Kappa Delta Pi Rookie Teacher of the Year award. In 2012, I won Teacher of the Year through the Alachua County (FL) teacher recognition program.

I fell in love with teaching while I watched my mother teacher her Pre-K communication disorders class. I solidified my commitment to becoming a teacher by watching and appreciating my own amazing 2nd and 5th grade teachers. I graduated from high school in the IB program in 2003 in Palm Harbor, FL. I then went on to the University of Florida for a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I then received a Master's degree in Special Education shortly after. I began teaching in 2008 in Gainesville, FL.

I live with my husband, daughter and two sweet dogs in Atlanta.