I have been teaching first grade for 13 years. I have a master's degree in Divergent Learners, which focused on diverse ways of teaching diverse children. I recently received my National Board Certification as an Early Childhood Generalist. I teach in my hometown elementary school where I once was a student. I have been in the same classroom all 13 years teaching first grade. I hope to be in the first grade for life!
I used a balanced literacy approach with a focus on Guided Reading small groups. I use the Daily Five and LOVE IT! It truly has been the key to organizing my literacy block as well as establishing awesome procedures and routines. I have also begun teaching Math using a similar approach. I am currently developing my own system, "Math in Motion," where my students rotate through different Math activities while I meet with small groups based on individual needs. I run a tight ship, but we have fun singing and dancing our way to becoming second graders!
My highest honor to date was being named Beginning Teacher of the Year for my district for the 2000-2001 school year. It was an honor to be chosen for this award.
I attended York Comprehensive High School in York, SC. I received a bachelors degree from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. I received my master's degree from Columbia Colege in Columbia, SC.
I moonlight as a singer in a band on weekends. :)