What inspired you to get into the field of education?:
My first degree was in Merchandising and Design from Colorado State. I enjoyed my job in Visual Display, but when my own children entered kindergarten, I knew I needed to switch career goals to something more fulfilling. I spent a great deal of time volunteering in their classroom and working with students. I was inspired watching the children grow and blossom. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to return to school and have my own classroom.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?:
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the light bulb click as students gain new information. I love the excitement that younger kids bring into the classroom. Everything is a new adventure and they are so eager to learn. I love my job!
General background information (years in education, degree(s), Universities/Colleges attended):
My first degree was in Merchandise and Design from Colorado State. When I returned to school for my Masters in Elementary Education Degree, I attended Regis University while I worked as a substitute teacher in Poudre School District.My focus was on emergent literacy and reading instruction. I have been working in the educational field since 2008. In 2013, I returned to school to earn my Bilingual Education Certificate and worked with both students and adults learning English as a second language. I began working as a Literacy teacher at Polaris in 2014. Since 2014, I have expanded my own learning through certifications in Orton- Gillingham, as well as District trainings in LETRS and Multi-Sensory Reading Instruction. I have experience in Expeditionary Learning, IB, Core-Knowledge, and teaching diverse populations such as ELD and various socio-economic backgrounds.
Interests/Hobbies:
My free time is spent with my husband and four children. You can often find us at a baseball game or enjoying live music. I enjoy traveling, reading, and spending time with friends.
Thought Provoking Quote:
"A River Cuts Through Rocks, Not Because of Power, But Because of Persistance."
My Classroom
Courses Taught:
Multi-Sensory reading and writing instruction (K-5),
Elementary and adult English as a second language,
About My Classroom:
I aim to have my classroom an inviting and a safe place to learn and explore. Reading is so fun that I want to share the excitement with my groups. We learn by playing reading strategy games and using multi-sensory approaches to help young readers.