I started teaching in 2004 as a long term substitute for 9th grade students. As soon as that ended, I secured a job as a 7th grade English teacher at an urban middle school. I taught English for several years and then started teaching Reading in 2010. I love teaching Reading; it is my passion and I hope to soon become a Reading Specialist.

I am blessed to have a SmartBoard in my classroom, so I always use a powerpoint to guide my lesson. The powerpoint starts with the warm up and goes through the entire lesson to the closure. I am a strong believer in using scaffolding to teach students. I follow the "I do it, we do it, you do it" model. I love to think of new ways for students to grasp concepts. I am very hands on and enjoy coming up with kinesthetic ways for students to learn. I have used play-doh in lessons, balls, yarn, magnets, etc. I love to create new things to help students comprehend the lesson.

I have been given the Teacher of the Month award several times, my teaching was video taped as an example of model teaching, I was nominated as Teacher of the Year twice, nominated for an Inspiration Award through my school division for Reading Instruction. I was in the top three for this award. I have also won monetary awards for my writing.

Old Dominion University: Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with an emphasis in Teaching. University of Virginia: Master's Degree in Reading Education Licensed as a Reading Specialist

I am an active member of my church and teach the 4 and 5 year old Sunday school class. I also teach Vacation Bible School for 1st and 2nd grade. I am happily married and just celebrated my 7 year anniversary with my amazing husband. I also have an 8 month old son. I love creating powerpoints and handouts. I also enjoy mentoring new teachers.