Thirty years in education and I still love everything about it! I have been so lucky to have taught in many schools and at all levels from 5 year olds right through to 13 year olds.
I have been a school leader for many years including 12 years as a Principal at local schools. My heart has always been in the creativity of the classroom - trying to find the best (and most fun ways) to bring learning alive for all learners.
I aspire to help all children to be the best they can be. Every child has strengths and gifts and each one of them needs opportunities to shine in their own way and to discover "their thing".
Informally: Rewards and success in my eyes is when I stop and talk with "children" - now adults I taught 25+ years ago - I still remember them and them me. It is wonderful to see them become adults and parents in their own right.
Formally: Scholastic New Zealand Nichol Award 1997. National Award for Teaching of Literacy in New Zealand.
Although a New Zealand-based educator I attended high school in St Louis (Hazelwood West. Mo.) and have enjoyed many visits back to my St Louis "American AFS family" - spending time in US elementary schools when I am there.
Great news is that innovative, meaningful learning that encourages active, engaged and inspired learners transcends national borders.
I love gardening (and everything to do with plants and growing seasonal food), great coffee, spending time with my family and friends and travelling too.
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, Reading, Vocabulary, Specialty, Math, Numbers, Science, Earth Sciences, Environment, Social Studies, World Languages, Other (World Language), Arts & Music, Art History, Visual Arts, Graphic Arts, Special Education, ESL-EFL-ELL, Health, Other (Specialty), Geography, Other (ELA), Religion, For All Subjects, Classroom Management, Character Education, Cooking, Writing, Holidays/Seasonal, Back to School, Thanksgiving, Christmas-Chanukah-Kwanzaa, Autumn, Halloween, Winter, Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Spring, Products For TpT Sellers, Earth Day, For All Subjects, Summer, Student Council, For Administrators, Early Intervention, End of Year, Classroom Community