Opal's Gems

With more than 20 years of teaching experience in high school and four years at the university level, I have secured excellent opportunities to instruct a variety of literature and writing courses, allowing me to diversify my teaching style and to achieve mastery over what I believe is the most fundamental principle in our profession: reaching students. Whether it be a developmental or advanced student, engagement is the key. The more individuals are empowered by their learning, the more they will thrive, thus reaching their fullest potential. Independent, critical thinkers are nurtured by innovative and inventive practices – practices delivered by passionate, responsive educators. This passion is shared when we make personal connections, when we engage in analytical dialogue and when we realize that education is a not an intangible objective but an organic process in which we all contribute. It is this community-based thinking that motivates me to be a TpT author-teacher.

I teach to engage, to get students to relate and to question the literature as well as their connection to it. A typical day in my class is mini-lessons, discussion activities and "all about me" moments where students connect to the unit personally. I do not believe in busy work but center my instruction on skill reinforcement and extension activities that build on students' knowledge and their interests. Simply put, my focus is teaching students, not content:)

Teacher of the Year 2017 County Teacher of the Year Finalist 2017 2018 Honorable Mention in the Writers-Editors International Writing Competition 2018 First Place Winner of the Institute of Children's Literature After School Contest

MA in English, College of New Jersey BA in Secondary Education/English, Magna Cum Laude, York College of Pennsylvania Certified in SEL Instruction and Leadership, Rutgers and the College of Saint Elizabeth Certified Mindfulness and MBSR Teacher, Mindful Education and Center for Adolescent Studies Certified in AP Literature and AP Language,College Board Certified State Achievement/Instructional Coach Standard New Jersey Certification for English Pennsylvania Instructional II Certificate for English

I am a freelance writer specializing in education, social-emotional learning and mindfulness. I have been published by NCTE, Highlights Magazine, College Board and Albert.io.