Welcome to 4th Grade! I am very excited to provide my students with a high-quality learning experience this year specifically designed to support, encourage, and challenge them each day.

Educational Background and Experience

Over the past twenty years, I've had the privilege of working as an elementary school teacher across a variety of instructional settings, from STEAM+ PE instructor, combo classes, and a variety of grade levels.  I have enjoyed collaborating with grade-level teams across the district to develop curriculum and applying new educational practices and pedagogy that has challenged students to apply standards learned toward addressing relevant, real-world needs.  It is a privilege to have served the students and families of Del Mar Union School District for nearly two decades.

What to Expect in 4th Grade

4th grade is an incredible year where students grow more independent and confident, and become ready for the next phase of their upper elementary school journey. Students in 4th grade deepen their understanding of literature by making connections with complex ideas, they sharpen their academic and creative writing skills, and learn strategies to read and research critically. Students engage in new mathematical concepts including place value and number sense, and deepen their understanding of fractions. Fourth graders explore all about California's vast history. They will engage in scientific concepts around Vision and Light, Earth's Features, Energy Conversions, and Waves, Energy, and Information.  Fourth grade is truly an exciting year!

In addition to academic growth, fourth graders learn to manage their time wisely, set priorities, and organize their assignments. They become incredibly independent and learn to self-advocate by communicating with their teacher, and by using all resources available to them. Fourth graders also build close and lasting friendships with their peers and enjoy opportunities for collaborative assignments and teamwork.  You can help support and empower your child by giving them the freedom to 'take charge' of their learning. 

While things may look and feel a little different this year, I am committed to helping your child feel connected to their classmates and enthusiastic about fourth grade. We're going to have a great year!!

Educational Philosophy

I believe that in order to develop independent thinkers, global citizens, and empathetic problem-seekers and solvers, we, as educators, must provide students with a radically different school experience. Del Mar Union School District's strategic plan, Destination 2028, promotes a bold vision for coupling high-quality teaching and learning practices with a focus on adapting the physical learning environment to better meet the needs of all students.  By challenging myself to continuously evaluate the systems, structures, and beliefs that shape a school's culture, my hope is to  create an extraordinary learning experience for every one of my students.  My passion is fostering a rigorous educational experience that  encourages students in reaching their full potential, while working collaboratively and in unison with my students' families. 

Life Outside of School

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family including  my amazing fourteen-year-old daughter, Mia. As an endurance, ultra-marathoner, I spend a vast amount of my free time running the many trails and mountains in not only beautiful San Diego, but all throughout California and surrounding states. Additionally, I am fortunate that I have a second career in real estate, where I have the great opportunity to assist clients with all their real estate needs and goals with Pacific Sotheby's. Hopefully, my passion for the outdoors, helping others, and always challenging myself physically will carry over into the classroom to all my students.