Mister Librarian

Teaching is my passion! I have been in education for a total of nine years. I began my career as an English Language Arts Teacher. After six years teaching middle grades ELA, I moved into my current role as an elementary teacher-librarian. I feel extremely lucky to have found my calling.

As a school librarian, I am a teacher, instructional partner, and information specialist. I collaborate with classroom teachers on the design of instruction that incorporates engaging content and innovative strategies. I believe that students’ exploration of authentic topics through advanced technologies nurtures a global perspective and community mindedness.

In 2014, I was selected for the Fulbright-Hays Summer Seminars Abroad Program where I spent four weeks in some of China’s most culturally significant cities. Since then, I have voyaged to Antarctica as a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, worked aboard a research vessel as a NOAA Teacher at Sea, and explored nature amidst the beauty of Yellowstone National Park as a National Endowment for the Humanities scholar. From January to April 2018 I will travel to Finland as part of the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program. While there, I’ll research best practices for project-based learning. A three-time diversity lesson plan contest winner, I strive to draw on my experiences to encourage students to celebrate the splendid dimensions of our world.

I graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2008 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. I have a Master of Arts in Teaching from Morehead State University and a Master of Science in Library Media Education from Western Kentucky University. I became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2018.

In 2015 I married my best friend, Kara, who is a first grade teacher. We love to hike, CrossFit, and build our vinyl record collection. When not on my computer, you can find me in the woods, the gym, or on the disc golf course!