"Since I was a child, I have always known that being a teacher is what I wanted to be. I love children and I am passionate about helping them feel loved, have fun, and succeed academically. Before I took the steps to become a teacher, I remember walking through the halls of my oldest son's elementary school and feeling like I was home. I started my adventure in the school system when he was in 2nd grade. He is now 19 and I feel just as rewarded as the day I started. I have been working in school for 12 years in many different capacities, teacher aide, academic secretary in charge of testing, staff childcare and preschool director, teacher, and teacher mentor. I have worked with and taught age groups from toddlers to 6th grade. After working in the school without a degree for 6 years, I chose to pursue my teaching degree through Western Governors University. Through that education, and incredible pre-service trainings from the school, I was prepared to take my adventure to the next step!

The schools that I choose to teach at are based in a classical education model utilizing direct instruction. My reading program of choice is Reading Mastery. I have taught levels K-6 of this program and seen incredible success through its implementation. Other programs I have used and may consider implementing based on need are 95% and Heggerty. Both are excellent programs focused on building student's confidence and using science to help a student make those important connections in their brain to help them unlock the amazing world of reading. Then we get to learn to love it! While using these programs, I effectively taught them to students I was tutoring on on one, small after school groups of 8, or larger groups of 15-20. All have unique but fulfilling challenges we can work through and grow together. I look forward to more fun and exciting learning environments as we learn together!

Degree - Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education - K-8

Certification - LETRS Certification" less...