Second Grade Magic

I began working in education in 2001, and never looked back! My heart and soul is with teaching children. I had the pleasure to work with children with multi-needs as a classroom assistant while getting my teaching degree. I have taught kindergarten, 1st grade, 6th grade, and have landed in 2nd grade for quite a few years now. I love 2nd and that is primarily my target grade level for the resources I make.

Engagement, Engagement, Engagement! I use Kagan structures throughout the day to increase participation, hold students accountable, increase oracy skills in my ELL students, and increase engagement. I also *LOVE* to throw in activities that are going to keep kids on their toes- use giant dice? Task cards posted around the room? Glow sticks to read with? Room transformations? YES- YES- YES! We make magic happen in our room every day!

Nothing official yet, but I get told daily by my students that I'm the best teacher ever- so that's pretty much the same thing! :)

I did my undergraduate work at Elmhurst College. Then, I received my MA in curriculum and instruction w/ ELL endorsement from Concordia @ Chicago. As stated already, I have also attended MANY Kagan trainings and am an active Kagan coach.

I am a busy wife and mother of 2 school-age girls. My girls are always active and I'm constantly running all over the place. I am the type that I HATE to do my work at home because when I'm home- I'm mom. I try VERY hard to balance teaching, working, and being with my family.