Kindred Spirits

I am enthusiastically in my 26th year of teaching. I have specialized in middle school, teaching 6th and 7th grade Social Studies and Language Arts. I have also spent much time working with at-risk students.

In my classroom, I value structure and routines. I expect my students to be involved and active every day in their learning. I incorporate an assortment of methods into my daily learning activities with the use of a variety of technology tools. I am always looking for ways to improve my craft and to better myself as a professional. My students are at the heart of my efforts. As adolescents, life is confusing enough for them. I strive to add a feeling of success, accomplishment, and confidence to their days.

I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Master's Degree in Early and Middle Childhood Education from Ohio State University. My life goal changed through a coaching experience near the end of the first four years in college. I went ahead and graduated with my business degree, but immediately went back to school at Capital University to gain certification to teach grades 1-8 and students with learning disabilities. Following a few years in the classroom, I decided that a Masters Degree would add to my level of expertise. Since then I have taken 45 + hours in continued coursework and professional development. I believe there is always something more to learn to improve my craft.

I have always loved sharing what I have learned with fellow teachers. Our jobs are difficult and overwhelming. Teachers Pay Teachers has been a godsend for me on many occasions. I'm hoping to make another teacher's life easier just as others before me have helped me find success in the classroom.