The Orange Cat

Hi! Thanks for stopping by The Orange Cat! Just a little bit about me. I am a third generation teacher and have been teaching for over a quarter of a century. As a classroom teacher, I have taught kindergarten, first grade, third grade, and fifth grade. As a reading specialist, I have worked with students from kindergarten through sixth grade.

I am the very definition of "planner". Nearly every grade level team I have been a part of loves to joke, "If you need someone to break it down quickly, she's the one to do it!". I like to plan ahead, even though everything is subject to change. But I like to know where I'm going so I can pre-teach or scaffold as needed. In my classroom, I set high expectations for my students, both academically and behaviorally. I keep my days in routines. For my students, it creates a sense of calm and reassurance knowing that this part of their day will not change. My classroom environment is welcoming. All students know that this is their classroom and a safe place to be. My hope is that at the end of each day, my students go home feeling they have learned at least one new thing and that they had fun while learning!

Academic: • National Honor Society • California Scholarship Federation • Phi Kappa Phi Cooking and Goodies: • California State Fair Best of Class Award (Fudge, Caramels) • California State Fair First Place Ribbons (Fudge, Caramels, Pecan Wedge, Toffee) • California State Fair Second Place Ribbons (Strawberry and Peach Jam)

• B.A. in English • M.A. in Language and Literacy (Engaging primary students in learning to write) • Multiple Subject Credential • Single Subject Credential (English) • Reading Specialist Credential • CLAD Certification • Reading Recovery Certification

I live with my husband, daughter, and two orange tabby cats. I love cats, and have had eight pass through my life, half of them being orange tabbies (there might be a math problem in there). There is something unique about the orange tabby personality that I find fascinating! I enjoy baking and creating yummy confections for family and friends. I have been participating California State Fair Kitchen Competition since 2012 and have received ribbons each year for my confections. Cooking competition has caught on in my family and we have all become State Fair competitors as the years have gone by! I also enjoy traveling with my family! We are a family that loves Disney and have been to Disneyland, Disneyworld, and taken a Disney Cruise.