Class Materials

Standard fare of charged Chromebook, writing utensils, paper or notebook, and a binder. There is no textbook.

About Me

This is the start of my 21st year of teaching and my fifth at Ridgewood. I've taught Latin from 5th grade through AP and everywhere in between as well as ancient history and financial literacy. I'm from Maine where I did my undergrad in Classics (Latin and ancient Greek) along with linguistics and philosophy. After deciding being a lawyer was not what I wanted to do, I went to Rutgers for grad school - also in Classics. I also have an M.Ed. in learning design and technology. My certifications are in elementary education, Latin and social studies. In addition to teaching, I am the chair of the National Latin Exam outreach committee and serve on ACL's merens committee. I love committees.

Teaching Philosophy

After having my own kids start school, I realized what kind of teacher I hoped to be. I want the students to enjoy Latin. They may not get giddy at identifying passive periphrastics  and ablative absolutes (I do), but they all have something that brought them to Latin over a modern language. I try to encourage their interests and keep it fun. 

About two days into being mom of a kindergartener I realized what a burden homework is with little benefit. So instead of nightly written work I've changed it to regular extension exercises. These are all the things I wish we could get to in class like myth, history and NLE games. Students can do them when their schedule allows for points in the Class Dojo category (35%). This can tremendously help students who struggle with the content or who don't love talking in class. "Homework" could also be long-term work or finishing classwork.

In the end I want the students to "get it" so it's all about mastery. Most assignments can be redone for a higher grade. I'll take late work until 2 weeks before the end of term for full credit (there is a Class Dojo deduction though). I provide interactive notes full of resources and additional practice. I am available period 9 and Latin Honor Society has peer tutors. No one should feel like they can't do Latin.

The study of the Romans brings up A LOT of sensitive topics: misogyny, suicide, slavery, class strife, violent conquest, rape, genocide, religious persecution. It is uncomfortable, but always worthwhile to discuss and learn about. I hope Latin class can be a place for open discussion so we can do better.

Transparency, communication and trust are so important in education. If you ever have questions or concerns, please email me and we can set up a time to talk. I promise that I will treat your student the way I'd want my own to be treated.

Classics Library

There are so many great books out there that can keep your kid's Latin spark going. With my own books, existing school books and donations I started a Classics Library in 310. These books are available for students to bring home, read and return. There are books set in Rome, mythical adaptations, ancient works in translation, Latin novellas, and books on the Greeks & Romans. My bookworm graduate, Lauren Lim, helped me make an Amazon Wish List of books we want to have available. Please considering adding one if you are able.

Follow Us!

Your students do some awesome work and I like to get pictures of it whenever I can. I also love to share memes or information that relates to Latin class. You can find us on Instagram.