kind courageous classroom

I've taught eighth grade English/Language Arts for the past fifteen years, but have also recently taken on an adjunct role facilitating master's degree programs for fellow teachers through a local university. I also currently work in district roles involving gifted education and human-centered design. In the past, I've also taught seventh and ninth grade English/Language Arts, Spanish II, become a licensed media specialist for grades K-12, and advised PhD in Education students at an online university.

For me, effective teaching is all about connectedness and relationships with my students. If they can't trust me and feel comfortable in my class, they can't learn from me. Therefore, my style varies based on student needs. However, I love laughing with my students and seeing them simultaneously using their critical and creative thinking skills. My style is definitely laid-back with a focus on facilitating rather than lecturing.

The most rewarding experiences for me as a teacher involve moments of my students' successes after they move on from my classroom: acceptances to med school, becoming teachers themselves, asking me to edit their grad thesis. To know I was a stepping stone on their paths there makes me very proud.

Bachelor of Science in Education (English and Spanish): 2003 - - Master of Library and Information Science: 2007 - - Master of Science in Education (Professional Development and Shared Inquiry): 2011

I teach middle school, but I dread my daughters approaching it. I know what's in store for me. Kids are generally awesome for their teachers, but... less... awesome... to their parents, in my experience. Regardless, middle school is the best age group there is to teach. Young enough to stay goofy and adorable, but old enough to speak to as adults. I'll be here a while.