"In my two decades of teaching, I have come to realize a few things. First, I am good at what I do. I have taught a variety of courses these several years: U.S. Government, Economics, World History, World Geography, U.S. History, Advanced Placement World History and Advanced Placement European History. Numerous student organizations have recognized me for excellence. I was a Stanford University "Most Inspirational Teacher," a recognition based on being nominated by a former student who was an incoming freshman. When I taught TAKS and STAAR tested subjects, my passing rate was over 90%. More recently, I have taught Advanced Placement World and European History. On the breakdown of the various tested components, I met or exceeded State and Global standards on more than 50% of the criteria in AP World History, and in European History I exceeded State and Global standards on 70% of the criteria. In fact, the percentage of those who in European History who earned college credit was 89% this past year. I have written questions for both the College Board and for Teacher Certification Exams. For four years, I have been selected to be a free response grader for AP European History. I have served as a contributor/writer for the AMSCO textbooks for AP World History: Modern and AP European History.

Second, I enjoy what I do. My passion is teaching government and history. Telling the stories that make up history, as well as explaining the structure and function of our government is great fun for me. I love to see the "a-ha" moments when students grasp what has been a previously difficult concept. Those keep me going. Receiving the notes from students where they say how much I helped them or inspired them or that they fell in love with history reinforces that I am good at what I do.

I have tutored in the past and consistently get outstanding remarks. Recently, I assisted a friend in researching, organizing, and phrasing a 5 page collegiate essay for a Women's Studies course. She told me later that her professor raved abou" less...