About Me

10 Fun Facts--in no particular order...

(SHHH! There's an extra credit opportunity at the end of this.)

1. I love music! My first jobs were as a DJ at 2 different radio stations. It was WAY BACK when DJs had to drop a record needle into the correct groove on an album. Ask me about ancient history if you do not even know what a vinyl record looks like.

2. I am a tree-hugger! I love to go outside and just breathe fresh air--and walk, hike, sometimes jog... I worked for the Environmental Protection Agency for many years.

3. I have 2 grown children--

• a boy (who is now 29 and just got married) who LOVED school and especially loved reading and writing (and still does)...
• and a girl (who is now 26) who loved horses (and still does) and who hid every reading assignment from me for most of her middle school years (but now likes to read). Therefore I have personal experience with different kinds of students and have confidence that kids can succeed by taking any number of paths. Both of my kids loved college and have great jobs and enjoy life. My kids are my favorite-favorite things in life. My husband is pretty cool too. And my dog Otis is one fine puppy.

4. My first favorite book was Little Women--which took me 4 MONTHS to read when I was 10 and was really challenging but I LIVED that book and it changed my life. Ask me about it!

5. In 4th grade my teacher wrote to my folks that I was TOO quiet and serious. My, how people change! She was the same teacher who told me I'd love Little Women. A good teacher can change your life in little ways you don't realize until much later. All of the House A teachers hope to be that teacher for you. We ALL really love kids your age and are passionate about what we teach.

6. I am a nervous driver--don't get behind me in traffic. You can't insult me by criticizing my driving because I know I am not good at it.

7. If you ask me to turn right, I have to check a scar on my right hand to be sure I have the correct direction. (See poor driver fact above).

8. I am a fanatic about the Beatles. I can tell you the lyrics and year of recording for most of their songs and much of the solo output as well.

9. I know that I think I am funnier than I actually am -- and I am OK with that.

10. I have had a few careers but nothing beats teaching ELA to seventh grade minds. I am passionately interested in the creative process and how great artists-especially writers-move from real-life inspiration to a finished product. I want others to get as excited as I do about every string of words that makes us see familiar things in new shades.