I have been an educator for the past 17 years and have experience in a variety of grade levels. I began my teaching career as a K-5 Spanish teacher, then taught 4th grade for 7 years, 2nd grade for 5 years and currently teach Kinderdgarent. I have worked with 2-3 year olds at various summer camps. Other than teaching, I am the Technology Facilitator within my building and the school's Webmaster. I am currently a Union Representative and work on the Testing Objectives Committee. I have run the school newspaper club, Safety Patrol/Student Council and on Extended Day; which is an extended day geared to assist children of varied performance levels. I also run workshops in my district on The Daily 5, C.A.F.E., Whole Brain Teaching and technology sites and materials.
I believe that the students are the ones who need to control their learning in order for it to make sense and mean something to them. I do my best to be a coach to my students and guide them during their exploration. I use many hands-on activities and make learning a real experience. I encourage my students to ask questions, think beyond the text and explore the world around them. I enjoy teaching my students in this manner because many times, I am also one who walks away with a new view, thought or question. And learning is a lifelong journey.
I graduated Cum Laude from Kean University. I was chosen as a student-teacher leader to address the upcoming student teachers. I have been a mentor teacher to two student teachers. I am the Technology Facilitator and Webmaster within my building. I was named Teacher of the Year in 2017.
I currently hold my BA in Early Childhood Education and have my certifications in K-8 and P-3. I will be returning to school this fall for my Graduate Degree in English Language Learning.
I have an extensive list of Professional Development ranging from Everyday Math to iPads to Lucy Calkins to Rutgers reading guru- Lesley Morrow.
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
English Language Arts, Creative Writing, Reading, Vocabulary, Specialty, Math, Applied Math, Science, Earth Sciences, Social Studies, Native Americans, World History, Arts & Music, Visual Arts, Math Test Prep, Literature, Classroom Management, Word Problems, Writing, Reading Strategies, Holidays/Seasonal, Black History Month, Informational Text