Teaching is both a gift and an honor. I've had the honor of teaching every grade K-5 except for 1st grade. (Nothing against first grade, the opportunity never presented itself.) In my 15 years in the classroom, I have been a looping teacher, the "advanced" class teacher, the who-in-the-world composed this class list teacher, an International Baccalaureate PYP classroom teacher, an International Baccalaureate Coordinator, a self-contained teacher, and a departmentalized teacher. I have served on more planning and initiative committees than I can count. I have been a Supervising Teacher for Student Teachers. I'm always called upon to present at staff meetings and PD Days, or use my bubblegum writing to record on the big chart (only if there are fresh juicy markers).
Creative. (It has to be cute and outside the box!) Enthusiastic. (I'm loud and silly. Who said teachers can't have fun?) Work Hard. Play Hard. Firm but fair. (We all mess up; Can you own it? How did you recover?) Compassionate. (Mommy-like discipline; I'll warm up your lunch while I keep you in for recess to finish your work.) Thorough. (Make it your best or run the risk of doing it again.) I've always strived to be the kind of teacher I wanted to have as a student, and, the kind of teacher I want my children to have. I'm slightly obsessed with binders, page protectors, laminating, and ziplock freezer bags. But with good cause! A child who is organized, has the tools he/she needs to know what they do and do not know (meta-cognition), will be a successful learner! I'm the teacher with tables instead of desks (before it was the norm), lamps on tables and new classroom decor every year. The one with a couch and stools, rugs and clipboards, because we may as well be comfy while we WORK!
Yet to be added
Bachelors of Business Administration, University of Michigan Master's of Arts in Teaching-Elementary Education, Wayne State University
In 2014, I left the classroom to help my ailing parents and teach my own little person. It has truly been a blessing. My youngest daughter is now 3 going on 37. Everyday is truly a new adventure! I recently wrote a children's book in memory of my mother for my daughter and nephews. It's called Granny Angel Butterfly: Butterflies are Forever. http://cr8joi.com/shop I have more TPT ideas and products in my mind than I have time to produce. I am on a personal mission in 2017 to cr8joi for myself and others. #cr8joi #mommyteacher
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
English Language Arts, Reading, Specialty, Math, Social Studies - History, U.S. History, Other (Specialty), ELA Test Prep, Math Test Prep, For All Subject Areas, International Baccalaureate, Character Education, Study Skills, Writing, Reading Strategies, Holidays/Seasonal, Back to School, Autumn, Winter, Black History Month, Spring, For All Subjects, Test Preparation