Creative Scholars

I have been teaching elementary school for the past 20 years. My career started in the primary grades (second grade), where I taught for fourteen years before being asked to move to fourth grade. It was interesting to see how the curriculum in the intermediate grades built upon what was taught during the earlier years, which served to reinforce just how important each grade is. I have served multiple terms as Grade Level Chair, on the School Leadership Team, and as the FAC Rep for my grade level and school. One of my passions is mentoring new teachers. Not only do I get to support them as they enter the profession, but I also gain new ideas and methods from them! Now that's what you call a win-win!

My teaching style is to cultivate a lifelong love of learning in my students. I make it a daily goal to motivate them to be problem-solvers and creative thinkers. Though literacy has been my passion, I am now a huge fan of the STEM subjects. In fact, I really like the concept of STEAM, because it incorporates art. I believe all of the disciplines are intertwined, much like a puzzle, therefore they all need to be taught with fidelity. My students know I care deeply about them and want them to be successful inside and outside the classroom. Well-rounded students are happier students! PS...Learning should be fun!

National Board Certified Professional Development Presenter - Math and Literacy

Though I became certified to teach K-6 while in college, I did not start out to be a teacher. It was only after having children of my own that I realized that this could be the perfect career path for me. Little did I know that I would fall in love with teaching and this was where I was meant to be! Though reading has always been my first love, teaching math and science has certainly broadened my perspective!

Just after we married, my husband and I lived in Germany for four years, prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall. My oldest daughter was born the year the wall came down, a red-letter day in history. This unique experience has given me a deep appreciation of the world and the similarities/ differences between cultures. My students love it when I infuse a bit of Germany into our day!