EduGates Designs in Secondary Literacy

I have over 30 years teaching at the high school level. I am endorsed in the following: Teacher Leadership, 6-12 English Language Arts, and 6-12 Reading Specialist. I hold a Masters Degree in Reading with an additional 30 post-graduate credits. I spent 24 years teaching high school ELA, including Advanced Placement Literature, Inclusion English 11, English 9-11, and Reading. I pioneered the only high school reading program in my district to raise student proficiency. I spent the last 6 years of my career as an MTSS Instructional/literacy Coach. My work included ongoing coaching cycles with teachers, implementing systems for academics and behavior, and professional development around MTSS and literacy--most specifically tiered instruction and disciplinary literacy.

My teaching style is student focused using tiered instruction (see more on MTSS). Lessons are universally designed and incorporate the gradual-release of responsibility. As part of of a student-led model of instruction, I used the workshop model for reading and writing.

Three times nominated and awarded regional semi-finalist for Michigan Teacher of the Year (2012, 2015, 2018); President of the Michigan Reading Association, 2017-2018; President of local Association, 2020-2023; GELN Literacy Committee on Essential Practices 6-12, 2018-2019; Michigan Department of Education Literacy Standards Committee member, 2018-2020; Michigan Reading Journal Editorial Board, 2017-Present; Local "Outstanding Professional Award" Silver Apple (2001), Golden Apple (2009); MSBOA Recognition for high school reading program (2003); Michigan Adolescent Literacy Council president, 2011-2012;

M.Ed. Reading Specialist/Language Arts, Grand Valley State University (May 2002); B.A. English, Aquinas College (May 1989); Post-Graduate Credits from Central Michigan University, Marygrove, Spring Arbor; Adaptive Schools Training (June 2019); Administrative Mentoring Program (2015-2017); Teacher Leadership Academy at Kent Intermediate School District (2014-2015); Literacy Coaches Network (2015-2019); Great Lakes Bay-area Literacy Leaders (2016-2017); International Literacy Association Conferences (7 conferences and trainings between 2013-2016); Michigan Reading Association Conferences (attended and presented 2002-20017); National Council Teachers of English Conferences (attended and presented 2010, 2011, 2012); Chippewa River Writing Project Teacher Consultant, 2009; Cognitive Coaching Training, 2009-2010; MiBLSI/MTSS training, 2017-2019;

I have provided professional development at the local, regional, state, and national levels: --District and School; --ISD/RESA across Michigan ; --neighboring districts; --State conferences (Michigan Reading Association, Council of Exceptional Children, Chippewa River Writing Project, Michigan Council of Teachers of English), MAS/FPS, MAISA conference; --National conference (National Council Teachers of English)