I've been teaching for over 20 years in grades pre-K - 6. I've always enjoyed finding fun, effective ways to accelerate the learning process. In the last 20 years, I've written over 300 "EduTunes" songs that teach reading, writing, math, science, character education, and more. I feel fortunate to have such a great career, and I'm excited to be able to share my work through Teachers Pay Teachers.
I love finding ways to motivate children. I keep in mind a quote from Herbert Kohl: "One of the beauties of teaching is that there is no limits to one's growth as a teacher, just as there is no knowing beforehand how much your students can learn." I try to post things on TPT that inspire my children, and bring them to a level of learning beyond anything I believed was possible.
My "Edutunes" have been recognized by many other publishers and professional organizations. Staff Development for Educators, the Institute for Educational Development, the Bureau of Education and Research, and independent school districts have hired me to give professional development seminars. Several companies, including NASA, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill and Pearson Learning, have licensed songs to enhance their programs. I have also worked with teacher-authors including Deanna Jump and Deedee Wills to develop materials.
I received my bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, and Humane Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia. I received my teaching credential with SDAIE (E.L.L.) emphasis and master's degree in Cross-Cultural Teaching from National University in San Diego, CA.
When I'm not teaching, creating music, or logging onto TPT, I love surfing on small Hawaiian waves with my husband, Rob; walking my dog, Ipo; and enjoying time with other family & friends.
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool, Staff, Not Grade Specific
English Language Arts, Balanced Literacy, Creative Writing, Writing-Expository, Reading, Spelling, Specialty, Math, Applied Math, Arithmetic, Basic Operations, Fractions, Geometry, Numbers, Science, Arts & Music, Visual Arts, Music, Special Education, ESL-EFL-ELL, Health, Math Test Prep, Life Skills, Classroom Management, Character Education, Word Problems, Writing, Reading Strategies, Holidays/Seasonal, Back to School, Thanksgiving, Christmas-Chanukah-Kwanzaa, Poetry, Mental Math, Halloween, Winter, Valentine's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Black History Month, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Spring, Products For TpT Sellers, Tools for Common Core, Earth Day, Summer, Informational Text, For Administrators, Phonics, Classroom Community