My 14 years of classroom experience was focused in the early childhood grades Kindergarten-2nd. I then took on a curriculum leadership role in my elementary school for 4 years working to assist Kindergarten- 5th grade teachers design engaging, "outside the box" lesson plans, that promoted critical thinking through creativity and collaboration.
I believe in the importance of promoting a classroom environment rich in opportunities for collaboration and discussion. Allowing students the chance to share not just what they think, but why they think what they think, should be a priority. Students should be active participants in their own learning. I believe using song lyrics to guide reading instruction and coach speaking and listening skills through Socratic seminar is an amazing, engaging, unique stage on which students will definitely learn. Giving students the chance to find their voice will have such a positive impact on their sense of self-worth and self-confidence in this world.
I was named Teacher of the Year at my elementary school in 2007!
I attended the University of South Carolina and graduated in 1999 with a B.A. in Psychology, and in 2000 with a Masters in Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education.
I have an awesome husband and two beautiful children!
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, Not Grade Specific
English Language Arts, Reading, Vocabulary, Specialty, Arts & Music, Visual Arts, Music, Other (Performing Arts), Life Skills, Critical Thinking, Literature, Classroom Management, Professional Development, School Counseling, Character Education, Writing, Reading Strategies, Holidays/Seasonal, Back to School, Thanksgiving, Christmas-Chanukah-Kwanzaa, Halloween, The New Year, Valentine's Day, For Administrators, Coaching, End of Year, Classroom Community