OTTER Reading

I have taught for 14 years in a variety of areas. I have taught 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th. I have taught PE, Library, Technology, and supported a variety of teachers in my years of teaching.

OTTER is an acronym that stands for Optimizing Tactile Teaching (to) Engage Readers. I believe teaching with the Orton Gillingham approach is so powerful for students. I feel that teaching using a multi-sensory approach to learning is so valuable to the growth and development of the student! I LOVE being able to be creative in my teaching. I love creating a variety of lessons using technology and other hands on objects to spice up the lesson. It is so much more engaging (for both me and the student) than just another worksheet!

I am certified as a Classroom Educator in the Orton Gillingham approach through Orton Academy. I am half way through my 50 hours for my Associate certification. I taught on a variety of ways to implement the Orton Gillingham approach at a southeastern regional conference and it was the neatest experience ever!

I majored in K-12 Multi-Categorical Special Education at Clemson University. I then went on to earn my certification in Orton Gillingham and now working on my Masters in Reading with a focus in Elementary at Grand Canyon University.

On top of my love of reading and sharing that love with others, I am a single mom to my daughter, Madelyne. She is 12 years old and she is my everything! I was diagnosed 3 years ago as a Type 1 Diabetic. This opens my eyes even more to my sweet students who struggle whether it be academically or physically. I know what it is like to have your body rebel and not do what you think it should! P.S. Otters are one of our favorite animals! The way that they hold hands to connect and stay safe really just connects with my and is such an awesome reminder of how powerful and meaningful collaboration and support for teachers can be!