[About Me]

My philosophy in education is to inspire students to love learning using hands-on and interactive methods. I also believe that technology plays an important part in education. Not only can it be used as a great form of formative assessment, but it can also be used by students as another way to connect them to new resources and keep them engaged. When I am not teaching I am often participating in professional development opportunities. I enjoy learning about best teaching practices and how I can help students not only love learning, but become successful learners. Teaching is not just an occupation for me; it is my passion and what I truly love to do.

I attended Montana State University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. I did my student teaching at Saddle Peak Elementary in Belgrade, Montana with Susie Kenison. I learned so much in my few short months of student teaching. One of the most powerful parts of student teaching was getting to teach with a peer in the room next to me. We were able to really get a feel for how important it is to have a strong PLC supporting you.

After graduation I subbed at Saddle Peak as often as I could. My life then took a turn and I moved to Great Falls, Montana. I wasn't going to let moving keep me out of the classroom. I was lucky enough to substitute in the Belt School District for some of the wonderful teachers there, including my cousin.

I then returned to Belgrade and accepted a long term substitute position as a 4th grade teacher at Saddle Peak. Unfortunately, this got interrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak. I gained so much experience with preparing lessons for students to complete at home and also gained some new technology skills.

As my long term sub position came to an end I was unsure what the future would hold for me. I was pleasantly surprised to be contacted by the principal of Saddle Peak as our first full school year during COVID was just beginning. I accepted a one year contract as an online 4th grade co-teacher. I began teaching with Amanda Rapstad and quickly realized that not only was I getting to work with a great a teacher, but I was gaining an outstanding mentor. We worked extremely well together for the first two quarters of the year. As COVID slowed down the need for online teachers dwindled. I was then moved to 2nd grade intervention teaching. This was a huge move for me. I had never taught anything like intervention before. I knew that I needed to be flexible, so with an open mind and smile I began my new position. I have absolutely loved working with the second graders, but have also learned that my place is definitely in a classroom. This year has tested me mentally, emotionally and in my confidence of my ability to be a great teacher. I have showed not only myself, but the people around me that I am a fantastic and capable teacher who would do any and everything for my students, school and administrators.