A Little bit About Me

 I began my teaching career in 1992 in Forest Park, Illinois.  I taught in the Forest Park School District for six years.  I began and ended my career there as a third-grade teacher.  In between,  I taught fifth grade for four years. In 1998, I left teaching to become a stay-at-home mom. 

I returned to the classroom in 2009 and am thrilled to be entering my fifteenth year in District 64.  I started my career in D64 as a substitute teacher, teaching every grade and subject K-8. I was then hired to teach fifth grade. After eight years, I moved to fourth grade, where I stayed a year before moving on to become the 4th and 5th grade ELA Differentiation Coach for the district.  I have my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Concordia University, 15 hours towards a Master of Arts in Gifted Education from Northeastern Illinois University, and a Master of Arts in Reading Instruction from Aurora University. 

In 2019, I left the classroom to become the district's 4th and 5th Grade ELA Differentiation Coach.  This role allowed me to work with all district fourth- and fifth-grade teachers on their ELA instruction. Although I had the opportunity to work with students in many classrooms, I missed the relationships you build when you have your own classroom full of students.  That position was sunsetted at the end of the 22-23 school year, and I was very excited to return to 5th grade at Field School.  

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to participate in a program sponsored by ELF called the Nurtured Heart Approach to Learning.  It has changed how I think about my teaching,  parenting, and relationships. It has reinforced my belief in educating the whole child.  We are all unique and bring special gifts to school daily. This year, in room 225, we will focus not only on our intellectual gifts but on our qualities of greatness as well.  That doesn't mean we will be all about "fluff." We will focus on determination,  kindness,  cooperation,  and grit, to name a few.  All the qualities we need to succeed in life.  Through this focus, I aim to empower my students with the knowledge that they can control their learning!

  Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to working with you and your child this school year.