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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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Preview of Spooky STEM Challenge: Maze or LEGO Build — Computational Thinking & Evaluation

Spooky STEM Challenge: Maze or LEGO Build — Computational Thinking & Evaluation

Bring computational thinking to life with this hands-on, spooky-themed STEM challenge!Students choose between designing a Spooky Maze or building a Spooky LEGO Creation, using Post-its to plan, evaluation questions to reflect, and computational thinking skills to guide their process. Perfect for upper elementary through high school, this open-ended activity blends creativity, logic, and problem-solving — no coding experience required! Because computational thinking isn’t age-bound, students at
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 Design Logic Challenges for IB Design & Computational Thinking

Design Logic Challenges for IB Design & Computational Thinking

Engage students instantly with hands-on, 5–7 minute challenges designed to build problem-solving, design thinking, and computational thinking skills! Perfect for high school Design Technology classes, these low-stakes, high-energy activities let students experience the IB MYP Design Cycle while emphasizing process over product. Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for first-day activities, warm-ups, or sub plans Encourages collaboration, creativity, computational thinking, and critical thinking Studen
Preview of Typography Basics: A Hands-On Introduction to Type for Design Students

Typography Basics: A Hands-On Introduction to Type for Design Students

A hands-on, beginner-friendly introduction to typography where students explore type anatomy, classifications, and visual communication—while connecting design principles to their own personal interests. Perfect for IB MYP Design, Technology classes, Digital Media, and Design foundations. Bring typography to life with this interactive, student-centered introduction designed for IB MYP Design classrooms and beyond. Students don’t just learn about typography—they use it. Through a series of sho
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 Process Journal Anchor Chart | Think, Explore, Reflect Poster | 2 Version

IB MYP Process Journal Anchor Chart | Think, Explore, Reflect Poster | 2 Version

Help your students understand the purpose of an IB MYP Process Journal with this vibrant, easy-to-read anchor chart/poster! Perfect for the classroom, this visual guide clearly shows what a process journal is and is not, helping students document their ideas, plan, reflect, and showcase their work. Features: Two design options included: polka dot background without background Clear “IS vs. IS NOT” sections for quick understanding Focus on thinking visibly, exploring ideas, reflecting,
Preview of Design Thinking Resource/Posters

Design Thinking Resource/Posters

This set includes PDF files that are perfect for printing as posters or using as tabletop/desk reference cards. Aligned with design thinking principles, they’re ideal for helping students stay focused, inspired, and confident during the design process. Perfect for Design, Business, STEM, or any project-based classroom looking to build student independence and creativity!
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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.