"Hello, my name is Shannon. I love all things under the language arts umbrella including reading, literature and writing. While I love analyzing a good short story, my favorite thing to do is help students become better writers. I have an undergraduate degree in journalism from Columbia College Chicago and a master's degree in education from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL. I have always dabbled in the freelance world as a writer and editor, but my main career was that of a middle school language arts teacher. I taught for 14 years before leaving to stay home with my family.

As a middle school language arts teacher, I was in charge of choosing and implementing all elements of the curriculum, from reading and writing to grammar and vocabulary. One project I am proud of is leading a school wide writing committee (K-8) that established a scope and sequence for all teachers to use when instructing their students how to summarize. I find this an essential skill to have throughout all stages of education. I was also an integral part of a committee that focused on educating and guiding staff on how to use effective reading strategies across curriculum.

While most of my experience lies in the setting of a traditional classroom, I have spent much time working one on one with students. I have extensive experience working with neuroatypical students as both a teacher and a mom. I believe the best kind of learning can happen one on one. All minds are brilliant, but they don't all work the same. I believe in meeting students where they are and figuring out what works best for them. I look forward to getting to help in the development of some brilliant minds" less...