Write with a Point

Though I'm starting my first full year as a middle school ELA teacher in Durham, NC, I have experience teaching 10th and 11th grade English and 7th and 8th grade Social Studies in my home town of Grand Rapids, MI. While I was getting my B.A. in education, I also tutored at my university's writing center, helping students succeed at the college and career level.

As an educator, I believe it is my role to not only impart a strong content knowledge, but also strong habits, skills, and qualities my students can take with them to every area of their life. In broad terms, these qualities include empathy, thoughtfulness, clear communication, and a commitment to personal values. Specifically, it looks like critical thinking, quality research, honest writing, and an ability to consider a text (whether literary or nonfiction) from multiple angles. Some of my favorite ways to teach these skills are image analyses, one-pagers, and longer writing projects. I also like student created storyboards, timelines, and anything else that gets students engaged in the work. On a final note, I'm always willing to try new things, and some of my lesson plans and activities reflect that. I also think teaching digital citizenship is crucial, and I love to incorporate positive technology skills whenever possible.

Ethel M. Collins Children’s Education Scholarship recipient; Dr. Raymond Bartholomew Scholarship for Professional Writing recipient; graduated Summa Cum Laude from Cornerstone University.

I'm certified to teach ELA and Social Studies/History to students in grades 6 through 12. I received my B.A. in secondary education with an emphasis in English and a history minor from Cornerstone University (GPA: 3.98). I also received a B.S. in Biblical Studies from Kuyper College (GPA: 3.98).

I value high quality, clean, professional, and engaging designs that help students engage with the valuable work of learning. My materials are intended to model high standards for students while helping them learn how to meet them.