Dots and Dashes

I love, love, love my job! I currently have 9 years of teaching experience. I have had the blessed opportunity to teach many amazing 4th and 5th graders for the last 6 years. I have also been fortunate enough to teach 2 years of 2nd grade and serve as the Site Director for the 21st Century Community Learning Center at our school.

I was an unorthodox student; therefore, I would consider myself an unorthodox teacher. I like to incorporate current "pop culture" and relative trends into my lessons to keep my 5th graders interested in the subject matter. I believe that all students learn at with their own pace, so I try to make my lessons as differentiated and engaging as possible.

● Earned high marks for the quality of classroom teaching, lesson plans and instructional materials used in teaching diverse subjects (e.g., language arts, math, science, social studies and history). ● Developed innovative approaches that were held as the model standard for meeting district goals in areas including technology integration across the curriculum, experiential learning, literacy and diversity. ● Taught general education students and individuals with learning challenges within a mainstreamed, inclusive classroom. ● Consistently commended for ability to redirect students exhibiting behavior problems by replacing disruptive, unproductive patterns with positive behaviors. Led multiple district-wide in-service on classroom management. ● Served on school committees and taskforces focused on curriculum development, textbook review, fundraising and anti-bullying efforts.

I have a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Emphasis in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University and a Masters of Art in Teaching - Elementary Education from the University of the Cumberlands.

I have also served as the Site Director for our schools' 21st Century Community Learning Center, giving me an unique perspective on the educational day of our students.