Teaching-Learning-Growing

I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama where I attended John Carroll Catholic High School. I graduated in 1998 and was Bama bound. I arrived at the University of Alabama in the fall of 1998 and lived in Tuscaloosa until I moved to Austin in 2016. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in December of 2002 and earned a Master of Arts in Educational Technology in May of 2006. In the fall of 2008 I became certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. I completed my second Masters in Educational Leadership in August, 2016. My teaching career began at Rock Quarry Elementary School where I taught 2nd grade for five years and 3rd grade for three years. I taught at the Tuscaloosa Magnet School From 2009 to 2016 and Spicewood Elementary (Round Rock ISD) from 2016 to 2018. In addition to my elementary classes, I also taught as an adjunct professor in the University of Alabama College of Education as well as a trainer for the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative. Currently, I work as the Elementary Science Coordinator for Round Rock Independent School District. As an educator, I feel that learning is an ongoing process. Every day, through the students, faculty, and administration I am learning new ways to improve and expand my capabilities. One of my favorite quotes is from a man named Andy Law. He states that “Unless you are prepared to give up something valuable, you will never be able to truly change at all, because you’ll be forever in control of things you can’t give up.”

Philosophy of Education

I believe the overall goal of education is to create reflective, caring, cooperative, and productive members of society. Every child has a right to an excellent education. Education should be a community effort between teachers, administrators, school personnel, parents, and stakeholders. The classroom should be a safe and fair environment where students are excited to learn and take responsibility for their learning. I believe in inquiry-based learning as a model, which encompasses many different teaching and learning approaches.

The curriculum should also be one that promotes the integration of all subject areas. Through the integration of all subject areas students are able to gain comprehensive understandings within and across various disciplines.

It is important to create a classroom where it is safe to learn and that goes beyond teaching just academics by helping students learn to respect themselves and the world around them. It is important that students can share their perspectives and demonstrate understanding and tolerance when others do not share the same belief.

Building solid relationships with all stakeholders begins with open communication and finding ways they can be involved in their child’s education. Involving parents and the community is going to give students the best opportunity for success.