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SurviveUntilSummer

Rated 4.6 out of 5, based on 10 reviews
15 Followers
Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States
About the store
Teaching isn’t for the faint of heart—especially when you’re in survival mode, counting down the days until summer. With over a decade of experience in the trenches of public education, including six years on a core curriculum team at a Title I school, I’ve been where you are. I understand the juggling act of managing diverse student needs, meeting standards, constantly producing paperwork to prove you are doing those things, and somehow keeping your sanity intact. Armed with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and hands-on experience across elementary, middle, and high school classrooms (not to mention ESL, special education, and dual enrollment), I know what it takes to survive—and thrive—in this profession. That’s why I create custom, comprehensive unit plans, lesson plans, and assessments that are as practical as they are pedagogically sound. Every resource I offer is crafted with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, ensuring that you can reach every student without drowning in extra work. My goal? To lighten your load so you can stop just surviving and start enjoying teaching again. Let’s work together to make your life easier, your students’ learning more impactful, and get you one step closer to a summer where you can actually relax.
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All resources

Preview of Intro to the US Constitution - Preamble Handout (Printable PDF)

Intro to the US Constitution - Preamble Handout (Printable PDF)

Introduce your students to the foundational principles of the US Constitution with this informative Preamble Handout! Perfect for middle and high school social studies or government classes, this printable PDF provides the full text of the Preamble to the US Constitution. This handout is ideal for class discussions, close reading activities, and group analysis, helping students understand the core values and goals that guide American democracy. What’s Included in This Listing:Printable Preamble
Preview of "The Most Dangerous Game" Vocabulary Activities and Handout (Google Docs, PDF)

"The Most Dangerous Game" Vocabulary Activities and Handout (Google Docs, PDF)

Boost your students' vocabulary skills with this comprehensive set of vocabulary activities and a handout tailored for Richard Connell's thrilling short story, "The Most Dangerous Game." These resources are designed to help students understand and retain key vocabulary words, enhancing their reading comprehension and literary analysis skills. What's Included:Vocabulary Handout: A detailed list of essential vocabulary words from "The Most Dangerous Game" with definitions and contextual usage fro
Preview of Intro to the US Constitution - Bill of Rights Handout (Printable PDF)

Intro to the US Constitution - Bill of Rights Handout (Printable PDF)

Help your students understand the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the US Constitution with this informative Bill of Rights Handout! Perfect for middle and high school social studies or government classes, this printable PDF provides the full text of the first ten amendments to the Constitution. This handout is ideal for class discussions, close readings, and individual analysis, fostering a deeper understanding of the protections and liberties established by the Bill of Rights. Wh
Preview of Hispanic Heritage Month 1-Week Unit: Exploring Culture, Contributions & History

Hispanic Heritage Month 1-Week Unit: Exploring Culture, Contributions & History

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with this comprehensive 1-Week Interdisciplanary Unit Bundle designed for 8th-10th grade students. This 5-day resource pack offers engaging, standards-aligned lessons that highlight the rich culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic communities in the United States. Each day’s lesson delves into key themes, from Hispanic art and music to literature, historical contributions, and cultural impact. Perfect for ELA, Social Studies, and Interdisciplina
Preview of "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: Comprehension Questions | PDF & Google Doc

"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: Comprehension Questions | PDF & Google Doc

Assess and deepen your students’ understanding of Shirley Jackson’s "The Lottery" with this comprehensive set of comprehension questions. This resource includes both multiple-choice and short-answer questions that cover key aspects of the story such as plot, character development, themes, symbolism, and more. What’s Included:10 Multiple-Choice Questions: Focused on key details of the plot, setting, symbolism, and character roles, these questions assess students' recall and comprehension.10 Sh
Preview of "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: Vocabulary Worksheets Bundle | Google Docs

"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: Vocabulary Worksheets Bundle | Google Docs

Enhance your students’ vocabulary and comprehension of Shirley Jackson’s "The Lottery" with this comprehensive set of vocabulary worksheets. These activities are designed to help students engage with the story’s key terms and deepen their understanding of its themes, characters, and events. What’s Included:Vocabulary List: A list of key vocabulary words from "The Lottery" with definitions that will help students grasp essential terms like tradition, ritual, civic, and irony​.Vocabulary in Conte
Preview of "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: Graphic Organizers | PDF & Editable Google Doc

"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: Graphic Organizers | PDF & Editable Google Doc

Help your students visually organize and analyze key elements of Shirley Jackson’s "The Lottery" with these versatile graphic organizers. This resource includes a variety of tools that guide students in breaking down the story’s plot, characters, themes, and symbols, making it an ideal supplement to your ELA unit. What’s Included:Plot Diagram: A clear framework for students to map out the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution​.Character Analysis Chart: A detailed cha
Preview of Hispanic Heritage Month Lesson Plan - Hispanic Contributions to Our Culture

Hispanic Heritage Month Lesson Plan - Hispanic Contributions to Our Culture

Engage your students with Day 2 of this Hispanic Heritage Month unit, focusing on the significant contributions of Hispanic individuals to American culture. This lesson, designed for 8 th-10th grade students, encourages thoughtful exploration of Hispanic leaders in fields such as art, science, politics, and sports. Perfect for ELA and Social Studies, this resource fosters cultural appreciation while promoting critical thinking and research skills. What’s Included:Detailed Lesson Plan (Google
Preview of Edgar Allan Poe Unit - Tell-Tale Heart Comprehension Questions - CCSS Aligned

Edgar Allan Poe Unit - Tell-Tale Heart Comprehension Questions - CCSS Aligned

Enhance your students' understanding of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" with this comprehension-focused lesson plan and set of short-answer comprehension questions. Tailored for both middle and high school students, this resource dives deep into the key themes, plot points, and character motivations of the story. Perfect for print or digital use, these Google Docs are fully editable, making them easy to assign and grade through Google Classroom or any LMS. This no-prep lesson
Preview of Hero’s Journey Guided Practice Cards (Printable PDF)

Hero’s Journey Guided Practice Cards (Printable PDF)

Make learning the Hero’s Journey interactive and fun with these guided practice cards! This set of printable PDF cards is designed to help students explore and understand the 12 stages of the Hero’s Journey in an engaging, hands-on way. Perfect for small group activities, class discussions, and guided practice sessions, these cards provide a versatile tool for reinforcing narrative structure and storytelling techniques. What’s Included:12 Printable Guided Practice Cards: Each card represents on
Preview of Hispanic Heritage Month Lesson Plan - Hispanic Music and Art Shaping Culture

Hispanic Heritage Month Lesson Plan - Hispanic Music and Art Shaping Culture

Explore the powerful impact of Hispanic music and art on American culture with this engaging Day 4 lesson plan for 8th-10th grade students. From the vibrant rhythms of salsa to the bold murals of Diego Rivera, this lesson dives into how Hispanic artistic and musical contributions have enriched the U.S. cultural landscape. Perfect for ELA and Social Studies, students will research notable artists and musicians, creating multimedia presentations to showcase their findings. What’s Included:D
Preview of "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: Assessment Bundle | PDF & Editable Google Docs

"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: Assessment Bundle | PDF & Editable Google Docs

Ensure your students' comprehension and understanding of Shirley Jackson’s "The Lottery" with this complete Assessment Bundle. This collection includes everything you need to effectively evaluate student knowledge through quizzes, tests, and vocabulary activities, all designed to reinforce key concepts and themes. What’s Included:Reading Test: A thorough test featuring both multiple-choice and short-answer questions to assess students’ understanding of plot, characters, themes, and literary ele
Preview of Edgar Allan Poe Unit - "Cask of Amontillado" Discussion Questions (CCSS-Aligned)

Edgar Allan Poe Unit - "Cask of Amontillado" Discussion Questions (CCSS-Aligned)

Engage your students in meaningful literary analysis with this set of discussion questions designed for Edgar Allan Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado. These questions foster deep critical thinking, making connections between character motivations, symbolism, themes, and narrative structure. Perfect for both middle and high school students, these CCSS-aligned questions will enhance your classroom discussions and promote deeper understanding of Poe’s dark and thought-provoking tale. What's Included
Preview of Edgar Allan Poe Unit - "Cask of Amontillado" CCSS Comprehension Questions

Edgar Allan Poe Unit - "Cask of Amontillado" CCSS Comprehension Questions

Assess and deepen your students' understanding of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado with this set of engaging comprehension questions. Perfect for fostering critical thinking and ensuring students grasp the key details and themes of Poe’s haunting tale, these CCSS-aligned questions are designed to encourage meaningful discussion and analysis in both middle and high school ELA classrooms. What's Inside: 10 Short-Answer Questions: These thought-provoking questions cover key plot points,
Preview of "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: Reading Quiz and Answer Key | Google Doc

"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: Reading Quiz and Answer Key | Google Doc

Evaluate your students’ comprehension and critical thinking with this thorough reading quiz for Shirley Jackson’s short story, "The Lottery." This quiz includes a combination of multiple-choice and short-answer questions that assess students’ understanding of the plot, characters, themes, and symbolism. What’s Included:10 Multiple-Choice Questions: Cover key aspects of the story, such as the lottery's purpose, characters' roles, and the symbolism of key items like the black box.7 Short-Answer
Preview of Hispanic Heritage Month Complete Lesson Plan: Hispanic Communities in America

Hispanic Heritage Month Complete Lesson Plan: Hispanic Communities in America

Dive into Day 5 of Hispanic Heritage Month with this insightful lesson plan focusing on the history, contributions, and impact of Hispanic communities in the United States. Designed for 8th-10th grade students, this lesson explores the migration patterns, cultural influences, and key figures that have shaped American history. With engaging activities and reflective exercises, students will analyze primary and secondary sources and reflect on the lasting impact of Hispanic communities on U.
Preview of Hispanic Heritage Month Lesson Plan - Hispanic Authors and Cultural Significance

Hispanic Heritage Month Lesson Plan - Hispanic Authors and Cultural Significance

Delve into Day 3 of your Hispanic Heritage Month unit with this enriching lesson plan focused on Hispanic authors and the cultural significance of their literary works. Designed for 8th-10th grade students, this lesson explores themes of identity, history, and social issues through the lens of Hispanic literature. With engaging activities and discussion prompts, students will analyze excerpts from Gabriel García Márquez, Julia Alvarez, and Sandra Cisneros, gaining a deeper appreciation o
Preview of "The Most Dangerous Game" Teacher's Guide: Comprehensive Summary and Analysis

"The Most Dangerous Game" Teacher's Guide: Comprehensive Summary and Analysis

Structure your teaching of Richard Connell's classic short story, "The Most Dangerous Game," with this in-depth Teacher's Guide. This resource provides a comprehensive summary and analysis of each section of the story, helping educators facilitate meaningful discussions and deepen students' understanding of the text. What's Included:Section-by-Section Analysis: Each part of the story is broken down with a detailed summary, exploration of plot structure, and analysis of themes and symbols, ensur
Preview of FREE Reference Guide: Examples of the Hero’s Journey in Popular Media (PDF)

FREE Reference Guide: Examples of the Hero’s Journey in Popular Media (PDF)

Enhance your students’ understanding of the Hero’s Journey with this FREE reference guide! This printable PDF provides clear and concise examples of the 12 stages of the Hero’s Journey as seen in popular books and movies. Use it as a supplemental resource to help students connect the Hero’s Journey framework to stories they already know and love. What’s Included:Comprehensive Reference Guide: A one-page PDF that outlines each of the 12 stages of the Hero’s Journey with examples from well-known
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About the store

Experience

Teaching isn’t for the faint of heart—especially when you’re in survival mode, counting down the days until summer. With over a decade of experience in the trenches of public education, including six years on a core curriculum team at a Title I school, I’ve been where you are. I understand the juggling act of managing diverse student needs, meeting standards, constantly producing paperwork to prove you are doing those things, and somehow keeping your sanity intact. Armed with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and hands-on experience across elementary, middle, and high school classrooms (not to mention ESL, special education, and dual enrollment), I know what it takes to survive—and thrive—in this profession. That’s why I create custom, comprehensive unit plans, lesson plans, and assessments that are as practical as they are pedagogically sound. Every resource I offer is crafted with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, ensuring that you can reach every student without drowning in extra work. My goal? To lighten your load so you can stop just surviving and start enjoying teaching again. Let’s work together to make your life easier, your students’ learning more impactful, and get you one step closer to a summer where you can actually relax.

Teaching style

I know firsthand how overwhelming teaching can be—I hit the wall myself and walked away in the middle of my third year, burned out and convinced I was done for good. Thankfully, I found my way back to my calling, but so many incredible teachers never do. That’s why I’m passionate about creating resources that help you not just survive the school year, but actually enjoy it. My teaching style is centered around making your life easier while keeping your classroom dynamic and inclusive. Using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, I ensure that my materials offer multiple pathways for students to access, engage with, and express their understanding—so you’re not left scrambling to meet every student’s needs. I focus on blending rigorous academic standards with creative, hands-on activities that genuinely foster a love for learning. Whether it’s collaborative group work, independent practice, or interactive projects, my lesson plans are designed to engage students while reducing your stress. Above all, I’m committed to helping teachers avoid the burnout that nearly ended my career. My resources are crafted to make teaching more manageable, effective, and—dare I say—fun, so you can rediscover the joy of the classroom and keep doing what you love.

Awards & shining teacher moments

I’m honored to have graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, earning endorsements in ESL and Special Education. My passion for making a real difference in the classroom led me to pursue additional certification in English/Language Arts K-12, with a Reading Endorsement, and to further my expertise with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. Currently, I’m working towards a second Master’s in Educational Psychology because I believe in always growing and improving—just like the teachers I aim to support. Throughout my career, I’ve been privileged to work at the same Title I school, where I’ve had the unique opportunity to teach the children of my former students and collaborate with some of my own graduates as colleagues. This continuity has allowed me to build deep, lasting relationships within my community—relationships that have been a constant source of inspiration and one of my greatest professional achievements. As the Dual Enrollment Coordinator, I’ve seen firsthand the power of education to transform lives. Over the years, more than 60 of our high school students have graduated with 30+ college credits, and over 30 have earned their Associate's Degree before even receiving their high school diploma. There’s nothing quite like watching those students walk across the stage at graduation, knowing they’re stepping into their futures with a head start. These moments of connection and success are what drive me to create high-quality, impactful resources for educators like you. I know how tough this job can be, but I also know how rewarding it is when you have the right support. I’m here to make sure you not only survive until summer but thrive all year long.

My own education history

- Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education - Endorsements in ESL and Special Education - Additional Certification in English/Language Arts K-12 - Reading Endorsement - Master's Degree in Educational Leadership - Currently pursuing a second Master's in Educational Psychology

Additional biographical information

My journey in education has been deeply fulfilling, from guiding students through their academic paths to supporting fellow educators in creating impactful classroom experiences. I’ve seen the highs and lows of teaching, from the joy of watching students achieve their dreams to the burnout that nearly took me out of the profession altogether. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping teachers move beyond survival mode and rediscover the joy in what they do. Whether working with young learners or future college graduates, my commitment to fostering a love for learning and ensuring educational success has always been my driving force. Now, through my TpT store, I’m excited to share the tools and resources that can help you not just survive but thrive in your teaching career. If you’re ready to make teaching easier, more enjoyable, and more impactful, explore my store. Together, we can create the perfect educational materials tailored to your unique needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or special requests—I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to turn this year into one you’ll actually want to remember.