Prepped and Polished Teaching

I believe every teacher deserves a classroom that feels happy, organized, and totally them. I’ve spent 28 years in education, including 10 years in second grade, 17 years in fourth, and now teaching K through 5 computer science. Over the years, I’ve also served on my school’s curriculum alignment committee, mentored new teachers, and supported my colleagues as a building representative. I started creating resources for my own classroom, and my husband encouraged me to share them here. I’m so glad he did. Now I get to help other teachers build classrooms they love—spaces that are both functional and fun.

My classroom has always been structured yet full of fun, with a strong sense of community and belonging. We truly felt like a family, and that atmosphere made learning so much more meaningful. I firmly believe that organization and strong routines help students thrive by reducing chaos and creating a space where they can focus and succeed. My top priorities as a teacher are organization and relationship-building—because when students feel supported and the classroom runs smoothly, learning happens naturally. I also believe great lessons should be engaging and interactive, but the approach depends on the group of students. Every class is different, so flexibility is key! For a classroom to run effectively, strong routines and collaboration are must-haves (though collaboration definitely takes practice!). I also love integrating technology whenever possible, which is what led me to my current role as a computer science teacher. As a general education teacher, I used flexible seating, but I also recognize that it doesn’t work for every teacher, every student, or every classroom setup. When it comes to creating resources, my goal is to make teaching easier and more enjoyable. I focus on stylish, functional, and engaging materials that help teachers stay organized and prepared while bringing joy to their classrooms.

I was honored to be named a Peabody Teacher of the Month, but the most meaningful recognition has always come from my students. One of my proudest moments was finding a note on my desk after being out sick. A fourth-grade student wrote that my smile got her through bad days, and she always felt better after talking to me. She’s now an adult with a child of her own, but I still keep that note tucked in the front of my plan book because it reminds me why I do what I do. Over the years, I’ve had parents and students tell me how much my class meant to them, but some of my favorite moments come when I hear about it secondhand. All four of my kids went through the same schools where I teach, and I loved when they came home from high school telling me that my name came up in conversations about favorite teachers. Now, I go to my son's high school football games, and former students still stop by to catch up. More than anything, I hope my students remember me as someone who made them feel at home, made them feel like they truly mattered, and taught them so much along the way.

I earned an Associate of Science in Elementary Education from Vincennes University, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Indiana. Later, I went on to earn my Master’s in Elementary Education. Throughout my career, I have completed various additional trainings, especially in teaching reading and technology integration. I love learning, and even during summer vacation, I usually geek out over professional development, diving into whatever my latest interest is. Elementary education has always been my passion. I do not remember ever wanting to do anything else. My sister and I played school as kids, and I always knew that one day, I would have a classroom of my own.

My husband and I have been married for over 30 years, and we have three grown daughters, two of whom are married, as well as two sweet grandchildren. We also have a teenage son at home, and we love cheering him on at his football games. Family time is my favorite, especially when I get to spend time with my grandbaby. Outside of teaching, I love reading, swimming, and spending way too much time on Pinterest. My husband and I also love to travel, especially to the beach. A fun fact that surprises people? I’m obsessed with The Weather Channel, and my coworkers often ask me what the weather is going to do—especially in the winter, because I love snow. I also joke that school is my hobby because I could spend hours in my classroom or at home prepping things for my students.