Captivate Motivate Educate

I have been teaching for over 25 years. I've taught at the elementary level, including 3 years as a French Immersion teacher, but the bulk of my career has been spent teaching high school English. I also teach AP Language and Composition, and Creative Writing.

I like to infuse my teaching with the visual arts and music whenever possible. I'm always looking for ways to get the students up and out of their seats, and engaged with each other. While assessment has its place, I don’t believe every activity or lesson plan needs to have a rubric. Students need the space to learn and create without always having a “grade” hanging over their heads. I'm currently learning how to turn my high school ELA classroom into a makerspace! Another goal is to incorporate Genius Hour or Passion Projects for the next school year. I don't view myself as a "sage on the stage," but rather I prefer to think of myself as a "guide on the side." Discussion and participation are so important in the classroom, so I rely on Socratic techniques quite often. I like to view my classroom as a creative tapestry full of captivating, motivating, and educational experiences.

Outstanding English Graduate, 1990 McMurry University Alpha Chi. Magna Cum Laude, 3.97 GPA McMurry University. Summa Cum Laude, University of New England. Poetry published in Echoes Magazine and Potato Chips Chapbook. Artwork published in Somerset Studios, Somerset Home, Art Doll Quarterly, Altered Art Magazine, Somerset Gallery, Altered Couture, Haute Handbags, California English

B.S. Elementary Education, specialization in English, McMurry University 1990. M.S. Education University of New England 2009. Elementary Endorsement--Maine. English Endorsement--Maine. GT Certification--Maine.

I'm a self-taught artist who enjoys mixed-media and watercolor painting.