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Educational Experience:

As far as my training, I have a BA in Social Sciences Secondary Education from the University of Northern Colorado with an additional History minor. This degree qualifies me to teach sociology, economic, anthropology, psychology, history, and geography in grades 6-12. I have continued my studies through the years in other areas revolving around literacy, technology, social emotional learning, and behavior modification. In 2013, I completed my master's degree as a Reading Specialist through Regis University. In the summers of 2018 and 2019, I completed 60 hours of Orton Gillingham training to round out my specialist degree. 

I began my teaching experience at Prairie Middle School in the Aurora part of the Cherry Creek School District. I taught there from 1992 to 2002. I took six years off running a daycare out of my home, so I could make money, be with my own children, and provide my kids with life long friends. I feel ever so lucky to have been hired at Newton in 2007.

Educational Philosophy:

My philosophies have developed out of my first teaching experience at Prairie Middle School with at-risk, low income, single parent, and highly transitory families, and my parenting experience with one learning disabled child with resiliency and heart, and one with a lot of charm, easy approach to life, and athletic ability. I have developed some philosophies that may change in the future, but for right now, I embrace them. 

Learning doesn't stop when a grade is due. Students are allowed to do or redo work anytime up until the end of the quarter without penalty. I believe that all students want to do well, even though some have had their light doused so often, they have forgotten what it feels like to succeed. I feel like it is part of my job to help them recognize that "Knowledge is power," as Francis Bacon said. I am not always successful at inspiring success, but I try. The book Mindset by Carol Dweck has been my muse within this area of education. "You can do hard things" is my new mantra. Fair Isn't Always Equal by Rick Wormeli is a book which has resonated with my teaching beliefs from the beginning. Due to this text, I try to challenge kids based upon their personal wants and needs. In addition, from my Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) training, I have also adopted the belief that "Support without rigor is a tragic waste of potential, and rigor without support is a prescription for failure." Furthermore, I have become fascinated with brain development. Due to this learning, I include movement opportunities for complex, concentrated learning. Although they are often not a set aside brain break they are incorporated in the learning so as to be efficient with my learning time that is limited. Finally, in trying to understand my own child's needs, I read The Highly Sensitive Child and Anxiety Free Kids. These books have really just deepened my empathy for the 40% of the population that soaks in the world in such a rich way that it can be paralyzing at times.