Context

Educational Philosophy

Education is a worldwide endeavor in which diverse stakeholders collaborate to respectfully offer their knowledge, compassion, insight, humility and strengths to develop future leaders, whether they be students or anyone else choosing to grow. As a result of multiple experiences, knowledge gained, increased confidence, risk taking, and perseverance, these leaders find their niche.

Educational Background

  • 2019 PAEMST Awardee for Mathematics

  • Multiple year Distinguished Educator

  • Expert in designing and delivering instruction in all mathematics subjects at the high school level

  • Adept at Differentiation & Curriculum Development

  • EdReady and IXL Online Learning Expert

  • Boulder Association of Teachers (BAT) active participating member

  • Montana Education Association paying Member

  • 25 year mathematics instructor

    • Current District:

      • Jefferson High School : 1st year

        • Dual Credit Instructor

        • Boulder, Montana

        • Rural

        • Enrollment: 280 students

        • 8% minority 92% white

        • 13.2% economically disadvantaged

        • Student:Teacher Ratio 15:1

        • Block schedule ('20-'21 COVID)

          • 100 minute periods

          • Each class twice a week

          • 4 day school week

        • Proficiency

          • Math : 30-39% Reading: 30-39%

          • Graduation Rate: 80-89%

    • Past Districts:

      • Helena High : 2 years

      • Bozeman High: 22 years

      • MT State University Adjunct: 3 years

How does awareness of your own biases, experiences of privilege, and personal values inform your chosen Capstone Project?

My awareness of those factors plays a strong influence in my decision to assist the BAT Union in building communication amongst members and non-members. I've always believed that everyone, despite our differences in socioeconomic status, race, gender, sense of privilege, etc. has the same rights to opportunities. However, I have always focused on creating equal opportunities for my students, and haven't taken time to advocate for the rights and opportunities of colleagues. In expanding my leadership skills, I am focusing on the rights of my colleagues to not only build stronger relationships with them but to enhance the learning environment at Jefferson High School. What better way to do so than to pursue building stronger communication in our teacher's association?

Association Leadership

Organizational Effectiveness:

Leading with Skill

Emerging: In twenty-four years of teaching, I’ve never been an “active” association member. I’ve simply paid dues. I feel a need to give back to the foundation that has allowed me to enjoy my teaching career. I want to be an active colleague helping to improve our association at JHS.

Explore and Challenge Inequity

Pre-Emerging/Emerging: I've always been conscious of my own identity and cultural background but have never really explored or taken time to focus on the inequities of others in less culturally accepted or more culturally accepted backgrounds. That has always been something which causes great frustration to me. I've never thought I could "control" those inequities in wanting to help those considered "less privileged" or help those who think they are more privileged become more humble and accepting of the "less privileged" so I have just stayed in my own lane being the best person that I can be to all. I don't like to make waves!

Overarching Competencies

Personal Effectiveness

Emerging: I take pride in being actively involved in activities that benefit my students, colleagues and school climate. As the “new teacher” at Jefferson High, yet an experienced teacher of 25 years, I don’t want to “step on toes” and come across as “pushing” my ideas on colleagues. I recognize that I have to build the trust of my colleagues by genuinely listening to and valuing their concerns/ideas while professionally relaying my thoughts to them. I also have to “research” and build my own knowledge to be seen as credible. I have to stretch my “comfort” level, taking risks to reach out to colleagues to build their trust in me as a colleague.

Communication

Emerging: For years, I’ve been caught up in my own world of day to day instruction as a classroom teacher. I haven’t focused on the needs of colleagues and the association that back up my success as an educator. The survey we conducted, opened my eyes to the importance of communication and what I can do to make positive change for the JHS work environment.

Describe your work with diverse stakeholders, shared learning experiences, and how you anticipate your association mindset might evolve during the TLI process.

I will be increasing my communication with colleagues from a variety of backgrounds, years of experience, and family dynamics to increase communication within our teacher's association, creating a more informed and collegial team of educators. In doing so, my mindset will become more open and receptive to the ideas/thoughts of others. Knowing me, this will "fester" into increased participation in the association as I witness colleagues collaborating more.

Describe how your awareness of those from different cultures, experiences, and backgrounds inform your chosen project.

I recognize the need for more communication amongst colleagues regarding association matters so that everyone, despite our diversities, feels valued and supported. My increased awareness and the ever increasing positive interactions with all colleagues drives me to continue finding ways to increase communication amongst staff at JHS.

Coaches Capstone Approval Form