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Creatively Designed with Purpose

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Cockeysville, Maryland, United States
About the store
I've been teaching since 2008, with classroom experience ranging from 5th grade to high school seniors. I’ve taught 5th grade for five years, middle school language arts for two, and currently teach high school computer science and design technology (grades 9–12). I also lead student council, moderate clubs, and thrive on helping students create hands-on, meaningful products.
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All resources

Preview of Human-Centered Design Challenge - Full Teacher & Student Materials

Human-Centered Design Challenge - Full Teacher & Student Materials

Engage your students in fun, hands-on design thinking with this complete, ready-to-use human-centered design unit! Perfect for upper high school students in IB DP Design, Interior Design, or any design thinking course, this resource gives you everything you need to guide students from empathy to ideation, prototyping, and reflection. Students will: Analyze unique client personalities and needs Brainstorm creative solutions and develop prototypes Reflect on their design decisions and iteratio
Preview of Intro to the Design Cycle – Mini-Unit

Intro to the Design Cycle – Mini-Unit

Intro to the Design Cycle – Mini-Unit (Grades 6-12)Get your students hands-on with the IB MYP Design Cycle! In just 1–2 class periods, they’ll THINK, PLAN, CREATE, and ITERATE while making a quick, fun project. Includes a ready-to-use lesson plan, slide deck, and reflection prompts to connect creativity + form to personal expression. Perfect for introducing design thinking and showing how iteration turns ideas into improved, unique products.
Preview of Intro to Robotics & Automation | Inquiry-Based Anticipation Guide (Grades 6–12)

Intro to Robotics & Automation | Inquiry-Based Anticipation Guide (Grades 6–12)

Perfect for both student engagement and teacher planning, this resource includes a thought-provoking anticipation guide, a ready-made Statement of Inquiry, and an Essential Question aligned with IB MYP Design, DP Design Tech, and UBD frameworks. Use it as a bell ringer, pre-assessment, class discussion tool, or a launchpad for your own unit planning. Flexible, learner-centered, and ready to go!
Preview of IB MYP Design Criterion Icons

IB MYP Design Criterion Icons

This clean and student-friendly icon set aligns with the four IB MYP Design criteria (A: Inquiring and Analyzing, B: Developing Ideas, C: Creating the Solution, D: Evaluating). Each icon is designed to visually reinforce the purpose of each criterion, helping students better engage with the design cycle. I use these icons in posters, slides, worksheets, and rubrics to give students consistent visual cues. Over time, these graphics help students develop stronger associations with each phase of
Preview of IB MYP Design Key Concepts Icons – Visual Cues for Big Ideas

IB MYP Design Key Concepts Icons – Visual Cues for Big Ideas

This icon set represents the four key concepts of IB MYP Design: Communication, Communities, Development, and Systems. Each icon is thoughtfully designed to visually reinforce these big ideas, helping students understand and connect with the conceptual framework of the MYP. I use these icons on posters, slides, worksheets, and reflection prompts to keep the key concepts front and center. These visuals encourage students to build associations between their design work and the larger concepts
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About the store

Experience

I've been teaching since 2008, with classroom experience ranging from 5th grade to high school seniors. I’ve taught 5th grade for five years, middle school language arts for two, and currently teach high school computer science and design technology (grades 9–12). I also lead student council, moderate clubs, and thrive on helping students create hands-on, meaningful products.

Teaching style

My approach blends creativity with structure. I believe in empowering learners by designing experiences that are inclusive, engaging, and relevant. My lessons are guided by IB principles, UDL strategies, and student-centered thinking. Whether it’s coding, crafting, or designing, students are always encouraged to imagine boldly and learn with purpose.

Awards & shining teacher moments

Throughout my career, I’ve been grateful for the recognition of my teaching and commitment to students. I was named Teacher of the Year in 2011 at the middle school where I taught language arts, and again in 2022–2023 as an IB MYP Design Technology and Computer Science Academics teacher at my current high school. That same year, after being nominated by my school, I was honored to win the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Teacher of the Year, a distinction awarded through a competitive selection process beyond our local school community. While these awards are meaningful, my proudest moments are found in the everyday magic—students lighting up with confidence, curiosity, and creative purpose.

My own education history

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education from Salisbury University in Maryland and later completed my Master’s in Educational Technology at Loyola University Maryland, where I am also currently continuing my education. Beyond my formal degrees, I am dedicated to lifelong learning and professional growth. I have completed CollegeBoard AP Certification courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) workshops and conferences, and attended Get Your Teach On conferences. Additionally, I have participated in webinars and training from Adobe Education, Stanford’s d.school, and various other professional development opportunities. These experiences continuously shape my approach to designing innovative, engaging, and student-centered learning experiences.

Additional biographical information

I’m a Disney-loving, color-obsessed mom of two awesome boys who believes in wit, wonder, and purposeful design. When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll find me building LEGO with my 7-year-old, playing zookeeper or supervillain with my 2-year-old, or trying to sneak in a few pages of a horror or crime thriller. Everything in my store is classroom-tested, designed with intention, and meant to bring joy—because learning needs to be fun and engaging in order to be truly meaningful.