Keeping Up With "LITERACY"

Almost 20 years teaching, mostly upper testing grades but have mentored and taught lower grade classes and teachers as well. Teach in a setting that comprises of general education, ELL's, and IEP students. Grade leader for last 15 years. Scripp's National Spelling Bee coordinator for my school as well as graduation coordinator. I teach reading, writing, and social studies. Testing scorer for the NYS ELA and Math exams for the past 17 years. I work enrichment after school programs, AIS morning programs and Saturday Academy for ELA/ Math testing practice.

Very important to be prepared. A great lesson plan makes all the difference. Keeps you and the students focused and helps to get to the You DO! work for the students. I am the facilitator. I am the 10 minute modeler. I do, We do, NOW YOU DO! My students run the classroom and take accountability and ownership for their own learning as well as the learning of their peers.They know where all resources and materials are and are responsible for them without asking me.They are all aware of what each other can and cannot do as we are open and honest about data, strengths, and weaknesses so we can all pay it forward what we know and to know which peer to go to, to get help. I encourage my students to challenge themselves, their peers, and myself. Push back and open free discussion is encouraged. I don't believe that in the real world we raise our hands to have conversations with one another so I encourage that practice in the classroom. Taking turns and accountable talk shows them how to successfully have a dialogue in real world situations.

Big Apple Nominee, PTA Honor : Teacher of the Year, Vision Zero selected me out of 100's of teachers having the honor to create an instructional video on bicycle safety with my class sponsored by the Mayor, DOT, and the NYPD., Lead Coordinator for the Scripps National/ Daily News National Spelling Bee, Grade Leader for most of my career.

Masters Degree in General/Special Education and 30 credits above my Master's. Bachelors' Degree in Psychology Associates Degree in Education

I have been rated highly effective ever since the very first year that the new rating system came to NY. Every year my rating is highly effective. My lesson plans and Unit plans are always rated highly effective and have always been used as successful high level tools and resources in my school among all of the grades.