VanFam Group

In 1990, I stepped into my first teaching position in English/Language Arts. I have been employed by three corporations, but in 1999, I found my home in my current school. I have taught all middle school and high school grade levels as well as dual credit courses through Indiana University and Ivy Tech Community College. 2007 brought a new adventure to my career as I accepted the position of corporation librarian where I work with all subject areas and grade levels to develop curriculum and reference materials. I've been blessed over the past few years to be back in my own dual credit classroom where I am again teaching college composition and literature as well as continuing as the corporation librarian for three libraries in two buildings.

I build a community in my classroom, and my delivery is very motherly. My students know that I will tell them the truth even if they do not want to hear it. I expect them to elevate their efforts, skills, and identities as we move through challenging coursework. Everyone in my room has a voice, and all of my students join me in conversations about effective communication and how to improve their reading, writing, and speaking. My curriculum is sequential because I believe in the process of introducing materials for the first time in step-by-step increments. Then, I build on previous lessons throughout the semester, culminating in major research projects where they must use all of the skills to be successful.

* Selected by Indiana Arts Commission as a Fellow for Creative Teaching, May 2023 *My poems selected by Indiana State Library to be included in this year's INverse Poetry Archive, May 2023 *Published online with Christian Educators, April 2023 *Finalist for Ivy Tech Community College/Bloomington Dual-Credit Instructor of the Year, February 2023 *Published online with YouVersion, January 2023 *Author Academy Elite, Selected as member and author, January 2019 *Most Influential Educator, Awarded by Independent Colleges of Indiana, November 2017

*Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana / Bloomington, Adjunct Instructor, 2019-present *Indiana University / Bloomington, Adjunct Instructor, 1999-2021 *Indiana University, Masters of Library Sciences, honor graduate, 1996 *Indiana State University, BS in English,1990 *Bloomfield High School, 1986

I married my high school sweetheart in 1990, and our twins were born seven years later. We love spending time with family and traveling.