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My desire to pursue a teaching career came from an innate desire I’ve always had to “help change the world.” After realizing that the spark to pursuing a life that benefits society is lit during childhood and that once that time passes it is near to impossible to ignite that spark, I realized my part in “changing the world” would not be with a law degree. That realization pushed me to pursue a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction so that I could work with children in the field of education. Through that program, I completed student teaching assignments in fourth and fifth grades and became certified to teach Early Childhood through 8th grade in Texas. I then moved to Tampa, Florida to teach fourth Grade. Although I loved Tampa, after teaching there for three years, I decided that moving back to the Hill Country of Texas to be near family was a necessity.
After moving back to Austin in the summer of 2014, I worked to become ESL Certified, as well as trained and endorsed in Gifted and Talented Education. In the summer of 2015, I started in the Post Master’s Principal Certification Program with Texas State, in which I was involved in a Principal Internship under Jan Richards, former principal of Laurel Mountain Elementary. That year was full of adventure for me. I not only completed my Principalship, but I also joined LME as a third grade teacher during the Winter Break of 2015.
I was thrilled to continue on in my teaching career as a fourth grade teacher that following year at LME. This year will be my 14th year of teaching...ten have been at LME and 13 have been in 4th grade. Whether in a departmentalized trio with two other teachers, in a departmentalized duo with one other teacher, self-contained, or teaching 100% virtually, I have found my teaching home in fourth grade at Laurel Mountain Elementary!
This school year I am excited to announce that I will have the opportunity to teach all subject areas once again. This is BY FAR my favorite learning model! Not only do I enjoy teaching all academic areas and integrating subject areas as much as possible, I also appreciate having the opportunity to know "the whole child" in each of my students. I am excited to blaze this new trail in education with your family!
As the years pass, I will continue to encourage each of my students to excel in every way. I too will continue to accomplish many more of my teaching goals by continuing my education through additional training, certifications, and degrees. I will model to my students the value I hold in being a lifelong learner by always pursuing knowledge with an eager and open mind. This year I welcome the continued role as the Lead Teacher Coach to all of our Early Career Teacher-Teacher Coach partnerships on campus. I am thrilled for the opportunity to continue to impact children beyond our classroom through this leadership role and as always, I look forward to a FABULOUS year in FOURTH Grade at the FANTASTIC Laurel Mountain Elementary!
On a more personal note, we welcomed the latest addition to our family, Amari Kingston, over the summer of 2017. Amari has grown into quite the independent and spirited little boy over the past seven years. He is the PERFECT compliment to his big brother Jase, 16 years. Watching Amari hit each milestone reminds me how precious it is to enjoy every moment possible with our children. I didn't stop to do this with Jase and I feel privileged to have this second chance to do so with Amari. I've learned to "seize the moment" ...the time sure does FLY by! He will be a third grader at LME this year with us! Woah!!!
Our older son, Jase, has risen to and surpassed any and all expectations we set for him as a big brother. His loving nature and protective spirit continue to impress us. While there have been challenges to raising two boys that are almost 10 years apart, there have been and will be many benefits to this as well. I am excited for the years to come and the opportunities for us to grow as a family together. Jase will enjoy his last year at Westwood High School this year as a senior. He is thrilled to continue on this year as a Warrior! Jase lives for playing football and being on the Westwood Varsity Football Team once again as their right guard is a dream come true for him!
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