About Mrs. Dodge

I have been teaching since 1992.  I always knew that I would be a teacher. Even though I was born in Brooklyn, New York, I am a California girl at heart. I grew up in Cupertino, California and then moved to Saratoga for high school. I attended SDSU for my Bachelor's Degree and teaching credential. I also have a Master's Degree in Instructional Leadership  and Curriculum Development. I am a wife, and mother of twin boys who graduated from UNR in accounting. I have a French Bulldog named Rocco. I love teaching, hiking, beaches, cooking, traveling, taking pictures, playing pickle ball and being with family and friends. 

I believe in lifelong learning and trying new things especially by traveling.   I traveled to Italy where I rode a bike through the Tuscan Hillside, took a cooking class and visited monuments such as the Roman Colosseum. Exploring Florence Italy was especially interesting due to the Renaissance history that transformed the region. 

Another exciting destination was Boston where my family and I walked the Freedom Trail to see the Old North Church where the famous phrase "One if by land two if by sea" quote took place.  The church was a true time capsule of life in the 1800's. 

I was also able to experience Spain, Morocco and Switzerland.  The amazing architecture that adorns the cities and towns truly reflects Spain's cultural diversity and its past power struggles. Riding a camel on the beach where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean was also a major highlight in Morocco. But Switzerland was one of the most magical places yet. Skiing the Matterhorn was truly majestic. 

Lastly during February break of 2023, my husband and I were able to make a heritage trip to Ireland. I was lucky to visit the small town of Kilcar in Donegal where cousins still occupy my great-great grandfather's property. The textile and fishing industry dominate the region and sheep farms could be seen in every direction.  We were able to visit castles that grew from the Medieval Era, tour the prisons that housed even the youngest of  "criminals" during the famine. It was sad to learn that children as young as 3 years old were imprisoned for begging on the streets during the Vagrancy Act of 1847.

I am looking forward to a fantastic 2023-24 school year filled with adventures.