About the Teacher

This is my 6th year at Saint Margaret, and my second year teaching strictly 

at the middle school. I have been ES Librarian, school Resource teacher, and a para-educator on the elementary campus. Before coming to Saint Margaret I taught at Nativity 

Catholic School in Burke, Virginia for 8 years. I taught 3rd grade for 6 years, was school librarian, and 7th/8th grade Religion teacher for 2 years. I have also taught 1st and 2nd grade in Virginia at two other Catholic Schools. My husband is retired army which explains the many teaching positions. I have lived in Indiana, Germany, Missouri, California, Virginia, and 

Florida during the 20 years as an army wife. I have 3 children: 2 boys - Andrew and Patrick, and 1 daughter - Bethany. I also have 3 grandsons that I enjoy spending time with during the summer since they live in Florida. I have an undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies/Elementary Education from Sacramento State University and University of Missouri. I also have a Master of Education: Curriculum and Instruction and with a concentration 

of Instructional Technology from George Mason University. I enjoy reading and playing softball.

Education is a continuous process that involves the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills.  I believe a school is more than an establishment that provides instruction, and it is more than just a source of knowledge.  I believe that each child needs to have the opportunity of close coordination among school, home, and society in order to produce the 

intellectual stimulation and social skills that are vitally important to the transition from childhood to a satisfying, productive adulthood.  For 25+ years now I have been teaching in a variety of school districts, schools, grades, and classrooms; this has enabled me to see the benefits of a solid education.

I also believe all children have the fundamental right to learn in a spiritual, physical, and social environment. Education should provide a framework within which students are permitted to achieve their potential; and that potential will be built upon throughout their lifetime.  I believe learning is a shared process.  This means that if I cannot learn from them, how can I expect them to learn from me?  I need to be an effective teacher who not only teaches, but also is a facilitated learner at the same time. I feel that a classroom environment in which the students are cooperative learners is beneficial for both the students and the teachers. I believe children should be exposed to a diverse background of knowledge that will nurture a desire to learn; this desire will continue throughout their lifetime.

I feel that many areas of knowledge are important, but that the most basic skill lies in the field of language arts because so much of learning comes only this way.  Verbal skills, both oral and written are necessary to function effectively in an ever changing and technologically complex society.  I believe the ability to comprehend will enable learners to help 

themselves toward independence.  This independence helps the student achieve greater command of the language and increases his/her understanding of intangible ideas.

Furthermore, I realize each child is unique, and I will need to allow for a great deal of individual difference.  I believe, through my understanding of children, I will be in a stronger position to appreciate the factors that have helped to make them the way they are.  Through such appreciation, I will be more equipped to advise them in bettering their 

world.