Teaching: 

I have been teaching Social Studies at South High School since 1996.  I have taught almost every subject in the Social Studies department. Currently I teach 11th grade World History and the electives of VOICES and H-Art.  VOICES and H-Art are co-taught with English teacher Delainia Haug.  

Link to AP Human Geography syllabus:  Fall 2019 Syllabus

Link to VOICES syllabus:  Fall 2019 Syllabus

Link to VOICES You Tube channel:  South High VOICES Documentaries

Link to H-Art Syllabus:  Spring 2019 Syllabus

Arts Learning Grant Recipient for H-art class 2020, 2019 & 2018 - Thank you to the Minnesota State Arts board for helping to fund and support the H-art class.  Here is the 202o Press Release for H-art and the Minnesota State Arts Board:  Press Release

Advising:  

I am the co-advisor for the student Book Club here at South. We meet every other Wednesday from 3:15 to 4:00 and read a lot of great books.  Our first meeting of the year will be on Wed. Oct 2nd in Room 255. If you love to read, consider joining the book club.   The best book I read over the summer of 2019 was: The Rent Collector by Camron Wright.  

Book Club Meeting Dates: 

 Mar 5, 2020. Mar 19, 2020, Apr 16, 2020, April 30, 2020, May 14, 2020, May 28, 2020.

Travel: 

Traveling is the best way to learn about the world and I have a passion for world travel.  I'm co-advisor for the Liberal Arts Culture and Travel Club and we travel during the summer to some amazing places.  In 2023, 23 students traveled to Japan and it was amazing. In 2019, 17 South students traveled to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.  In 2018, we traveled to Italy and Greece.  In 2016, we traveled to Spain and Morocco and in 2015, we traveled to Peru.  

If you would like to travel with us to Greece and Italy in June of 2024, please email me and I will send you some information. Anyone is welcome to travel with us.

Our 2025 trip will be to Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands in June. Anyone is welcome to travel with us.  Please email me and I will send you some information.

Writing:  

In my free time I love to write.  I am a Book Blogger and run a blog called BookSnob. I am a published poet and have recently published a book titled: Upon Waking. 58 Voices Speaking Out From the Shadow of Abuse.  You can find my book at most independent bookstores in the Twin Cities.  

Links to News Articles about Upon Waking: 

Women Publish Book of Poems About Physical & Sexual Abuse  - Catholic Spirit

New Poetry Collection Written or Published by Minnesotans Kick Off Poetry Month - Pioneer Press

It's a Woman's World TV Show episode: Surviving Sexual Abuse Through Poetry 

Principal for a Day:  

In the Spring of 2018, I had the opportunity to trade places with the principal and be the Principal for a Day.  This was an amazing opportunity and a huge learning experience for me. I would recommend that every teacher trade places with the principal for a day.

Link to Star Tribune article:  In a First, Mpls Teacher and Principal Switch For a Day - Star Tribune