Spotlight on Learning

I'm getting ready to start my 17th year in teaching! I've taught the following grade levels and subjects: Fourth Grade Teacher: All Subjects Sixth Grade Teacher: Math, Social Studies, Language Arts, Chorus, General Music, Theatre, Drama My certifications are in grades k-6 general education, k-12 music and theatre, and I'm also certified in gifted education.

Expressive and relevant. No matter what subject I teach, I like to speak with expression so that the children are listening and engaged. I also love making my lessons relevant to the "real world." My classroom is a safe place for students to express themselves and ask questions.

Student Encouragement: -It’s just magical when you run a show. - 8th grade student -Thank you, Mrs. Bottomley, for all you do to inspire our kids and help them follow their passions. - 7th grade parent -Thank you so much for everything you do. I have never met a teacher so passionate about her job as you. You have put so much time, effort, and work into the theatre and drama programs without receiving anything in return and that is something to be admired. If you had told me 2 years ago that I would be onstage in theatre and even singing, I would have never have believed you. Because of you, my self-confidence has grown and I love the theatre. Thank you so much for everything you have done for not only me, but all of my classmates. -8th grade student

I've always loved learning new things! When I was a student, my favorite teachers were the ones that made learning relevant and interesting. I actually graduated from college with a Bachelors of Arts in Mass Communication from Anderson University and worked in radio after college. I went back to school at Indiana Wesleyan University when I was 27 years old to get my teaching license. I went on to get my Masters of Education from the same school. Since then, I've received my Gifted Education certification from Campbell and have taken many continuing education courses.

I love helping children answer the question, "When am I going to use this in my life?" I also love helping children discover the magic of the arts - working as a team, problem solving, and thinking on their feet! In my free time I enjoy going to the theatre, singing, and reading!