What inspired you to get into the field of education?:
My main reason for wanting to be a teacher has stemmed from the enjoyment I get from helping kids to understand topics that can be mind-boggling. In my experience so many kids can fall through the cracks and miss out on valuable learning experiences simply because they don't understand what is going on in the classroom. I want to be that teacher that can fill in those blanks for students, make learning more enjoyable for them, and most importantly help them to become creative problem-solvers and thinkers so that they can be successful in any of their life endeavors. There's nothing quite like watching a child's face light up as they experience an "aha moment" in class, and I find joy in knowing that I was the one that helped them get to that moment. I like to make things fun and understandable while at the same time challenging my students to go above and beyond.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?:
The most rewarding parts of my job are working with students, building positive and meaningful relationships with them, and getting to learn alongside my students and share in their amazing ideas and success.
General background information (years in education, degree(s), Universities/Colleges attended):
I have been teaching for 13 years in the Poudre School District, and this will be my tenth year at Polaris. In 2012 I received my bachelor's degree in art education with a minor in mathematics from Colorado State University. I am dual endorsed to teach both art and mathematics. In May of 2018, I received my master's degree in instructional technology facilitation, which has allowed me to reinforce my understanding and use of technology in the classroom and to assist my colleagues in their technological endeavors in their classrooms, too.
Interests/Hobbies:
- Making art
- Blues dancing
- Makeup artistry
- Baking
- Reading
- Zombies and post-apocalyptic literature and entertainment
- Traveling
- Technology and video games
- Geocaching
Courses Taught:
- 7th Grade Math
- 7th/8th Grade Math
- 8th Grade Math
- 8th Grade Algebra I