Night Owl Creations

I am currently teaching my 20th year of elementary school. I taught 5 years total in fifth grade, 10 years in third grade or a second/third split, three in second grade, one in first, and now I'm back in fifth grade. Out of my 20 total years teaching, four of those have been in a collaboration homeroom where the special education teacher and I co-taught the class to some degree.

I believe in a classroom that's centered around the class motto: work hard and be nice to people. I spend a great deal of time at the beginning of the year establishing a culture of respect, rapport, and responsibility because I believe you must have all of that in progress before any learning can take place. We have a plan, and a focus, but we stop to address all the "real-life" issues as they come up too. I also believe in making messes, cleaning up the messes together, getting a little bit loud sometimes, and giving students choice whenever you can. To me a successful classroom is one where everyone feels safe, valued, has a role or job, and of course grows as a learner and citizen in our classroom and school.

SBDM Council Member, Kentucky Writing Project, Teacher of the Year-voted by my colleagues in 2008-09, Teacher of the Year-Walmart (local) 2004-2005 School Year

Rank 1: Continued Education Opportunity Masters: Georgetown College ( with a focus on ELL) Bachelor's: University of Kentucky

I am married to the love of my life and we have 3 teenagers and a dog who is also part scaredy-cat. We love to go to the beach, play board games, and going kayaking. We are all mostly homebodies until we travel. Personally, I love to read or listen to audiobooks while I drive or take a walk. Gardening is a hobby I enjoy but I'm not that great at yet. One day I would love to write and publish a book! (Maybe when I retire?!)