I am entering in my 12th year in the teaching profession. I have taught grades 3 and 4, as well as a gifted program grades K-6. I am currently teaching 3rd grade.
I am a creative and passionate teacher, with much emphasis on Higher Order Thinking Skills. I previously instructed teachers in the Dimensions of Learning model, so that is evident in many of my units. With the push for test prep in school, I like to teach as thematically as possible to help the students uncover our curriculum. I find that the students make better connections and it provides a natural scaffold that way.
In May of 2010, I received the Teacher of the Month award from my school district. My students nominated me, saying I "teach[ing] students that everything we need to learn is on our fingertips. She is smart, funny and kind." I have also been honored by the superintendent for putting forth extra effort with special needs students (both high and low), and a class filled with many behavior challenges. In my previous district, I was selected to train teachers along with my Superintendent/Asst. Superintendent for the Dimensions of Learning model. I also completed my thesis on comparing the Dimensions of Learning model with Full Option Science Systems vs. the traditional textbook in a science classroom. My shining teaching moments are always when that light bulb goes on in a students' head- the moment you know they've "got it", as cliche as that sounds.
I graduated from Lebanon Valley College (Annville, PA) with a undergraduate degree in Elementary Education/minor in music, and I also received my Masters in Science Education K-8 from the same school.
I enjoy teaching dance lessons on the side, and I enjoy integrating the arts into my lessons and units.