About the store
With 20 years of teaching experience, I’ve survived everything from middle school mayhem to high school brainiac moments. I currently wrangle 5th graders in ELA, but I’ve also taught AP World History, international relations, psychology, sociology, and middle school ELA. So, basically, I’ve seen it all and still love the challenge!
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TED Talkers in Training
TED Talkers in Training✨ A Creative Speaking + Video Project for Grades 4–6 ✨ Empower students to find their voice, speak with confidence, and share big ideas!Bring the magic of TED Talks into your classroom with TED Talkers in Training—a complete, low-prep unit that helps students become confident speakers, writers, and creators. Whether they’re shy or spotlight-ready, this 4-day project gives students everything they need to craft, record, and share their own powerful mini TED Talk. This un
4th - 7th
Creative Writing, Social Emotional Learning, Speaking & Listening
CCSS, VA SOL
CCRA.SL.1
, CCRA.SL.2
, CCRA.SL.3
+20
The Marble Champ by Gary Soto
Marble Champ by Gary Soto —Activity PackEngage your students with this captivating short story "Marble Champ" by Gary Soto, paired with a comprehensive set of activities designed to boost comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and critical thinking. About the Story:“Marble Champ” tells the heartfelt tale of Lupe, a young girl navigating challenges with courage and determination through the timeless game of marbles. Gary Soto’s vivid storytelling captures themes of perseverance, friendship, and per
4th - 7th
Balanced Literacy, Literature, Reading Strategies
CCSS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
, CCRA.R.3
+11
Also included in: Short Stories Bundle – Fiction That Captivates 5th & 6th Graders
Foreshadowing in Short Films
Foreshadowing in Short Films | ELA Lesson Plans, Google Slides, Editable PowerPoint, Notes & Quiz Looking for a fun and effective way to teach foreshadowing that actually clicks with students? This complete resource uses two award-winning short films— “The Present” and “Snack Attack”—to bring this powerful literary device to life! With ready-to-teach slides, interactive student notes, and engaging assessments, your students will see, discuss, and understand foreshadowing like never be
5th - 7th
ELA Test Prep, Reading Strategies
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
, CCRA.R.3
+14
Sometimes a Dream Needs a Push by Walter Dean Myers
✨ Sometimes a Dream Needs a Push – 7-Day ELA Unit with Poetry Comparison & Character Development Product OverviewBring Walter Dean Myers' powerful short story Sometimes a Dream Needs a Push to life with this complete 7-day ELA unit designed to inspire empathy, resilience, and deep literary thinking. This resource is packed with engaging activities, standards-based instruction, and an exciting poetry connection to Langston Hughes’ A Dream Deferred. Perfect for grades 5–7, this unit targets t
5th - 7th
Balanced Literacy, Creative Writing, Poetry
CCSS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
, CCRA.R.3
+14
Also included in: Short Stories Bundle – Fiction That Captivates 5th & 6th Graders
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About the store
Experience
With 20 years of teaching experience, I’ve survived everything from middle school mayhem to high school brainiac moments. I currently wrangle 5th graders in ELA, but I’ve also taught AP World History, international relations, psychology, sociology, and middle school ELA. So, basically, I’ve seen it all and still love the challenge!
Teaching style
My mission? To sprinkle a little fairy dust on the classroom, turning the daily grind into a magical adventure that leaves both students and I grinning from ear to ear.
Awards & shining teacher moments
* Led student poetry book We Hear You on Darfur—praised by civil rights leaders, foreword by Maya Angelou, proceeds funded Darfur’s School of Peace.
* Coached National Champions 2025 (Team Electro-Buzz) in Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision STEM competition.
* Guided students to victory in Jason Learning/REMA PSA Contest, 2022–2024, for standout science storytelling.
* Fostered youth voice through art, advocacy, and innovation on national platforms.
My own education history
MST, Master of Science, Teaching, Education, State University of New York
BA, Bachelor of Arts, Theatre, College of Charleston
Education Certification – early to middle grades; middle to higher grades social sciences
Additional biographical information
A 5th-grade ELA teacher who thrives amidst the delightful chaos of teaching. When I'm not refereeing intense four-square matches during recess, I'm orchestrating classroom activities that are part learning, part comedy show. Growing up with a librarian mom, I find immense joy in bringing writing and books to life in the classroom, aiming to ignite a love for reading and storytelling in my students. I believe in making every lesson an adventure, ensuring my students are engaged, enlightened, and occasionally laughing so hard they snort. Join me as I navigate the wonderful whirlwind that is 5th grade, where every day is a new story waiting to be told.
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