The English Classroom Architect

I started teaching in 2008, and as over the years I have taught each level of high school. My experience includes working with ELs, "standard," and honors-level students.

Student-led, inquiry-driven. I want to encourage a love for reading, but I also recognize that the times make it hard. I believe in rigor, but also meeting students where they are. I think that everything can be analyzed using the skills of English and I pull from lots of places to try to connect to students. I <3 Curriculum Writing and I strive for a year that is cohesive and has students returning to and deepening ideas as we move through the course.

I have been selected to speak and present at multiple conferences and trainings, including for our county in-services, national conferences, and a conference held by our state department of education. My most coveted honor is that I have had the opportunity to keep up with so many students from my years of teaching - it sounds a little cheesy, but knowing that I meant something to my previous students gives me fire to do my best for each new class.

I received my BA in English Literature and I have a masters in Curriculum and Technology. My teaching inspiration is my 12th grade teacher. Between my junior and senior year I moved from one state to another, which led to me needing to take a sophomore history class. My teacher allowed me to accelerate the class and then work on an independent project. I remember chiming in to class discussions throughout the year, but also feeling like I was being recognized for not being in the same place as the rest of the class. With this experience in mind, I try to differentiate as much as possible and be open to personalizing my courses for students with special circumstances.

I have three children and I am a coach. I coach volleyball in Fall and track and field in Winter and Spring.