I have worked as a classroom teacher of grades 2-4, as well as kindergarten. I enjoy teaching supplementary language arts classes (both enrichment and extra support) to ESL and native English speakers. Other experience includes small group and individual tutoring, pre-k through college. Areas of expertise are emergent literacy, writing coaching, and test preparation.

I find that creativity is a good part of the 'juice' that gets both the students and teacher going in the morning -- and that young students particularly enjoy a wealth of varied materials and the opportunity to explore them. I use literature extensively in the classroom, and believe that it is important to think aloud as I model comprehension strategies. I have been shaped by the research on the 'strategies of highly effective readers' that has come out of Denver in recent years. Another of my influences is Marie Clay (emergent literacy/integration of cueing systems).

I won 2nd place in the freshman essay contest during my time at the UA and have since had the pleasure of seeing some of my own writings in print.

I received my BA in elementary education from the University of Arizona. I also completed an Arizona endorsement program to teach gifted students, and have post-graduate coursework in both reading and ESL. Through my school district, I had the opportunity to complete advance GLAD training.

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