About Me

I attended Eastern Michigan University and pursued a degree in Elementary Education with a Reading Endorsement. I graduated in April 2016 from EMU and found a teaching job with Columbia School District in August, 2016.

I am currently in my 10th year teaching at Columbia. This year is my fifth year as a STEM teacher for Y5-6th grade students. I see 33 different classes for 40 minutes once a week. Previously, I taught first grade and Kindergarten.

I finished my Masters degree from Central Michigan University for Learning, Design and Technology in April, 2022. I love creating things and finding creative ways to engage students and use technology to help students critically think, collaborate and empower their own learning.

My professional learning goals are to incorporate technology in meaningful ways in my classroom and to create engaging lessons that advance students critical, creative thinking skills.

Outside of teaching and learning, my husband, Austin and I have two daughters, Nora and Carter. We also have one dog and two cats. I coach 8th grade volleyball and still play myself. I also coach the First Lego Robotics team for 2nd-3rd graders and facilitate the Girls Who Code program at Columbia. I love reading, traveling, gardening and spending time with my family.

Teaching Philosophy

Connections

Making connections and developing relationships is the biggest part of teaching. You need to create relationships with your students to reach and engage them. You need connections with families to best support the students. You also need relationships with your colleagues to collaborate and gain insight. Teaching can be overwhelming alone, but with good connections everyone gets the support they need.

Growth Mindset

With a growth mindset, students learn to tackle challenges and to never give up. Teaching students about their brain helps them understand how they can learn and develop a growth mindset. Creating an environment where students can learn from their mistakes, take risks, and feel supported when they fail is important to the learning process.

Creative Minds

Providing time and lessons that allow students to be creative helps create higher order thinking. Doing this, students learn to problem solve and use critical thinking skills. Using technology can also help students show what they know and open up their creativity.

I Also believe...

In creating a safe and nurturing environment
Every student deserves the opportunity to succed
Technology can enhance instruction, learning and creativity
In valuing each students uniqueness and individuality
In encouraging a love for learning
Students should have choice in the classroom
In constant reflection and evaluation of my teaching

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