Kindergarten Smarts

Currently a 5's preschool teacher & I taught kindergarten in Arizona for 5 years.

Firm but fair is how I like to run my classroom. From the first day of school, the kids know the classroom rules and the procedures that are put in place. I keep this consistent throughout the whole year. I like to make my students laugh, talk with them, and learn about their lives as much as possible. They really can say some of the funniest things if you just take the time to listen! With the recources that I am given, I try to use technology as much as possible. Student engagement is also very important to me. Everyone must participate and be involved in the lessons.

1. I have a endorsement in early childhood education. 2. I worked in a Title 1 school and for the 5 years I taught, I moved every kid from from intensive and strategic to 100% Benchmark on the DIBELS assessments. 3. I was the team leader on my Kinder team for a year. 4. I was chosen in my district to model problem solving for primary grades. My video was used for new teachers and also in professional development. 5. I modeled for kindergarten teachers at another school how I do whole group reading in my classroom.

Indiana State University - Bachelors Degree, Art - Emphasis in Graphic Design; Arizona State University - Masters of Education (K-8)

I lived in AZ for 13 years, until our family moved to MN in September 2015. My husband and I have two daughters who are 12 months apart ages 6 & 7! We are avid travelers and we enjoy attending sporting events together. We also have a Goldendoodle that we are pretty much obsessed with :) Before I was a teacher, I was a graphic designer in Chicago as well as a promotional rep for numerous products.