Welcome Back Stingray Families! I’m so happy to be back and am looking forward to some sweet kid energy to fill my days! This is my 24th year as a NC Public School Educator. Much of my career has been in 3rd and 4th grade, which gives me a good understanding of where these little stingrays are headed in the years to come! Second Grade has been my favorite grade to teach so far, and I’m thrilled to be able to spend my days with second graders again this year!
I consider myself a lifelong learner and am excited to share my love of learning with students. In spite of my love of learning, I was an anxious and nervous child during a time when educators didn’t see this as a valid concern in young people. I spent a lot of time at school worrying! I worried about how I was getting home. I worried about the baby brother I had to leave behind every day. I worried about whether or not the little earthworms in my driveway would make it to the other side before the sun came up! I worried about EVERYTHING, but most importantly, I worried about whether or not my teacher liked me. These memories are what called me to be an elementary school teacher. I believe true learning can only take place when kids feel safe, comfortable, and loved. Because of this, I spend a lot of time cultivating a classroom community and connecting with my students, so my students feel safe, happy, and ready to learn!
I am thoroughly trained in Cooperative Learning Structures, the 7 Habits Model, Reading and Writing Fundamentals, the Wit and Wisdom Literacy Program, Learning Focused Structures, Eureka Math, and Fundations.
When I'm not in the classroom working with amazing kids, I love spending time with my family! I have one son, Wyatt, a 9th grader atNew Hanover. He enjoys dirt bikes, video games, basketball, and movies. My husband, Carson, is a Chef! He cooks delicious dishes as the head Chef at Manna, but also at home. We have a Great Pyrenees, Brother (who looks more like a Polar Bear than a family dog).
When I’m not here at school, you can usually find me attempting to surf (this is a very new hobby of mine), eating tasty dishes created by my husband, working in my garden, or going on after school runs! I also love playing the banjo and singing with friends and family.
Things I love right now...
nice long jogs and walks in the hottest, brightest sunshine
Learning to surf (Lifelong Learner Here!)
playing my banjo
working in my garden
the strongest coffee I can find
vintage tee shirts and patchwork everything!
plants! plants! and more plants!
bonfires
oyster roasts
My husband's cooking
watching my son ride his dirt bike