The Cheerful Classroom

I absolutely love teaching! It runs in the family, as both my mother and grandmother were teachers. Previously, I've taught several 4/5 combination classes, fifth grade, Kindergarten, and a sprinkling of grades from first - eighth before that. I have a passion for teaching and enjoy each and every day! =) Aside from my classroom duties, I provide professional development in the areas of implementing science and technology for teachers via the Monterey Bay Aquarium Teacher Institutes for grades Pre-K through 6th. I also present for CUE (Computer Using Educators) at both the national and regional conferences. Recently, I was a part of the CA Dept of Education Science Curriculum Framework Committee where we wrote the NGSS standards for California.

"Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand." ~Chinese Proverb This Chinese proverb basically states how I model my classroom. I believe that the classroom is a place for students to be involved and to discover things on their own with the teacher merely acting as a facilitator to their discoveries. My educational philosophy is based on the hands-on learning approach. I am a big believer of Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences. Everyone has their own unique way of learning. It is my job as an educator to meet those educational needs and to help my students realize and reach their fullest potential. In my classroom, students participate in hands-on activities and are actively engaged in a safe, nurturing, and student-centered learning environment. I also LOVE technology! I am fortunate enough to have a Smartboard in my classroom and use it every day! Cooperative learning is an essential factor in the classroom environment as well as in my own teaching. Instilling a sense of community is something we begin on the first day of school and maintain it throughout the year with weekly class meetings, student input in how the classroom is run, community building activities, peer mediation, etc. I hope to empower my students with the skills necessary to live in the multiculturally diverse world in which we exist. As a teacher, I hope to be able to instill and convey to my students my love and enthusiasm for teaching and life long learning. I hope that this will be contagious within the classroom. Whether it is the fraction rap or doing the multiplication cha-cha, when you walk into the classroom you'll find students engaged and excited about learning!

*California finalist for the National Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. *Outstanding Educator Award from my school district. *Distinguished Teacher Award for California *California Department of Education Science Curriculum Framework Committee member (we wrote the new science standards for California aligned to the NGSS).

I earned my teaching credential from CSU Sacramento and my BA from CSU Monterey Bay in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Computer Science and Technology. I am currently working on my MA in Education, focusing on Curriculum and Technology.

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