The Teaching Zone

I am currently an ESE Specialist for my district. Prior to this, I taught Gifted students (GATE) at four schools in Florida for several years. Prior to that, well, I spent more than 20 years during which I taught almost all grade levels, special needs and general education, and worked as a reading coach, an instructional coach and an assistant principal. I've been working in the school system since 1998.

I believe the key to being an effective teacher is the relationship you develop with your students. To that end, I worked hard to create a classroom that was a warm, welcoming, colorful and happy environment, and I strived to develop lessons and activities that were fun and engaging, which made students want to come to my class. Then, I topped it off with exciting novels which we read together and talked about. I had a lot of fun teaching, and loved my job. I hope that the activities I have created will help you love yours too.

Hmm. I was runner-up for teacher-of-the-year once. Does that count? Even better - I had a middle school student come to Open House at my elementary school just to see me and say, "What you taught me has really helped me a lot!" That was a big honor!

K-12, Baker School, Baker, Florida BA - PreK/Primary Education, University of West Florida MA - Exceptional Student Education, University of Central Florida EdS - Educational Leadership and Administration, National Louis University

I am an empty-nester single mom, with two children in college, currently working as an ESE Specialist, and treasurer of the local teacher's association, in addition to teaching the 9-10 year old primary class in church. I don't have a lot of time to add to my TPT store these days, but I'm happy to do anything I can to support the folks that are still buying the things I've created. I sincerely hope one day I'll have the opportunity to add a lot more to my offerings.