Hoppin' Good Lessons

I have been teaching for over 18 years. During this time, I have been a Kindergarten, First, Second, and Sixth Grade Teacher. I also have been an instructional aide and an academic coach. I have attended numerous conferences and team summits.

I believe it is imperative to work with my grade level team and provide each other with feedback on how to make instruction more relevant. This helps me create new ways to provide rigorous instruction that meets the needs of each student. My students are always up and moving so that the instruction does not become stagnant. I love to use The "Daily 5" language arts as well as "Fundations" for phonemic awareness and fluency. In addition, I write and direct my students in 3 plays a year that center upon the curriculum. For math, I am working on using an approach that provides fluency practice, concept critical thinking, and reflection on the process of problem-solving. Being a parent, I understand that the amount of time I spend with each child is more than I get to spend with my own. Therefore, I promise to treat each child as I would want my own child to be treated. I value the relationship established with my students and their families. I also understand that the foundation for learning begins at home! It is important to me that we form a partnership when thinking of the needs of the child.

~ As an academic coach, I helped 45 novice teachers pass their state teaching examinations. ~I have been nominated for "Teacher of the Year" on 4 different occasions. ~ I have been named on the "Who's Who of Educators" on several occasions, too.

Professionally My education includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Literacy Curriculum and Instruction. For the past 4 years, I have been seeking my Doctorate of Education in Teacher Leadership. During this process, I have been studying how to help reduce novice teacher attrition. At this time, I am concluding my studies by writing my dissertation. Although a long process, it has been very worthwhile.

Personally For over 18 years, I have been married to my husband. We have an amazing son who will be attending middle school this year as a Junior. Some fun facts… I collect frogs. My favorite things include Tim Horton’s coffee, Special Dark chocolate, and iced tea. I have an invention in the process of being patented and produced. I am finishing my first novel that will be published by Tate Publishing House! My favorite color is green. I have a green house and green eyes! If I could eat Chipotle every day, I would! The kids think it’s pretty cool that I like John Cena, The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin.