Major for Minors

I have 18 years of experience teaching children with special needs from Grades 1-12 in a variety of settings, including self-contained classrooms, departmentalized special education programs, resource programs, and center-based programs. I have found my “home” in my present position teaching children with autism and mild cognitive impairments in a self-contained classroom, Grades 1-5.

My students have cognitive impairments so in order for them to master basic academic skills, much time and repitition is required, with constant review and reinforcement. Because I often have the same students for four years, it is a challenge to find new and interesting materials and activities for them. As a result, my teaching style has become increasingly creative while still remaining structured. I have become very adept at finding new ways to engage my students with activities that will help them develop skills they struggle with.

During the 2017-18 academic year I was voted teacher of the month, my students showed the most measurable academic growth, and all of my teacher evaluation ratinge were "highly effective". I achieved all this despite undergoing cancer treatment for seven out of those nine and a half months of school.

B.S. Ed. (Major - Cognitive Impairment): University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI M.A. (Learning Disabilities): Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI Endorsements: grades 1-8 (regular education) and grades 1-12 (special education), all subjects

Besides being a special education teacher I am an artist, graphic designer, writer, quilter, and mom. Creating teaching materials is a perfect blend of these interests. My first TpT product is an e-version of a book I designed and published, Around the Alphabet: A New Way to Look at Letters. (The hard-cover book is available by contacting me at Major4Minors@gmail.com.) I have been very inspired and encouraged by TpT. My students have benefited greatly from the products I have purchased here. I hope my offerings will benefit the children in your classroom and home as well.