Sunny in SoCal

4th grade teacher in southern California. I've previously taught 2nd, a 2/3 combo, 7th, and 8th grade ELA and Social Studies. I was also an instructional coach in my school district, specializing in secondary ELA, literacy across the content areas, and assessment.

Student-centered focus, with an emphasis on cooperative engagement strategies, student-choice, and fun through learning! Lover of flexible seating. Growth mindset cheerleader. A reformed math hater!

2012 & 2018 Teacher of the Year

M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on adolescent literacy Multiple Subject Teaching Credential BA in Journalism

I'm a reformed math hater. I always struggled with learning and doing math, from pretty much 3rd grade on, and sought to avoid it as much as possible throughout life. I even allowed my fear of math to stop me from persuing many of the science classes I was interested in taking because of the math requirements. I share all of that because I now love teaching math to my students. My own struggles have fueled my desire to help my students understand the why of math, as well as providing them with a full toolbox of strategies to call on. I encourage them to develop their math brands, and employ a lot of growth mindset and the power of yet when they struggle. I also share my own personal math difficulties with them throughout the year, to show it's not something you are born good at.