I taught Spanish at a University for two years before switching to a public middle school, where I taught full-time for four years before taking a part time teaching job following the birth of my second child. I now stay home full-time with my four children and moonlight as a teacher trainer and curriculum consultant until my kids are in school and I can return to the classroom. I travel nationally and internationally, training teachers in comprehensible input strategies. For a list of workshops that I offer, please click here.
I began using Comprehension-based methods because they are supported by SLA theory and research. Now, I can personally attest to their efficacy! I incorporate Cooperative Learning and limited Grammar Instruction. My passion is writing lesson plans that (1) teach culture to students in without departing from the target language, even to Novice language learners, and (2) support common core standards through the use of non-fiction, classic literature, and critical thinking and questioning.
Outstanding Student Teacher of World Language (2002) "QAR Strategies for Differentiating Questions" presentation selected as Best of AFLA/Best of PNCFL (2015) President, Alaskans for Language Acquisition (2016)
Nazareth College of Rochester; Bachelor's Degree in Spanish; Adolescent Education 7-12 Certification Program Completed. Syracuse University; Masters Degree in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture; Certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies
My experience abroad includes a semester in Valencia, Spain, a summer missions internship in Oaxaca, Mexico, and church mission trips to Ensenada, Mexico and the surrounding villages.
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool, Not Grade Specific
English Language Arts, Creative Writing, Reading, Vocabulary, Specialty, Math, Science, Earth Sciences, Social Studies - History, World Language, French, Spanish, Latin, German, EFL - ESL - ELD, Foreign Languages, Geography, Other (ELA), Religion, For All Subject Areas, Literature, Professional Development, ESL / ELL / EFL, Writing, en Français, Holidays/Seasonal, Christmas/ Chanukah/ Kwanzaa, The New Year, Informational Text, Coaching, Phonics