I have taught for 16 years in a large, urban, public school district (I have taught in three different schools) and I LOVE it! I taught self-contained, multi-age gifted class for past seven years. Prior to this assignment, I taught regular ed 4th and 5th grades. I am now in an at-risk school teaching 5th grade! I am so lucky to have such great students, past and present!

I have a progressive and eclectic, a "whatever works" approach to teaching. I always want to keep kids engaged and interested in what we are doing. I do a lot of hands-on, project-based activities in all subject areas. I believe in always teaching at a high level with high expectations for both myself and my students.

Received a First Year Teacher Award in 1997 Nominated for the Disney Teacher of the Year three times WalMart Teacher of the Year 2006

Bachelor Of Science in Education 1996 Masters of the Art in Education 2004 Gifted/Talented Certification 2005

Check me out on Facebook: Smart Chick Teaching Resources OR on my recently created blog: http://smartchickteacher.wordpress.com/ Higher level materials in all subject areas designed to increase student engagement and achievement. I have been a teacher of diverse student groups, like gifted students, for many years and have designed and used these items in my own classroom with much success! I also believe that any child will benefit from highly engaging and interesting activities and projects. It is so important to make learning as authentic as possible for all learners, irregardless of their level. All students have gifts and talents and it is important that we, as teachers, find and recognize these in every child. These materials give students the opportunity to increase skills they will need in the real world, not just skills they will need to do well on tests!