Hi Friends!
I am so happy you are here!
About Me:
I love learning. I was a classroom teacher for 16 years. I am now a School Librarian and I love it! I can remember the days before the internet when I would spend hours in the library learning about a new topic. At 7, I could tell you every breed of dog and what was special about each one. At 10, I knew all of the facts about Nadia Comanechi, Mary Lou Retton, and Sandra Day O’Conner. And now, I love learning about learning.
My journey as a teacher has taken me through an Undergrad program at the College of Charleston, a masters in education from Furman University, and an EdS in Instructional Technology and School Library Media from the University of Georgia. I am currently getting a Masters in Library Science from the University of South Carolina. As a lifelong Clemson fan, this last one was hard, but the program is AMAZING!
I have watched so many fabulous teachers leave education because of lack of guidance and support. My goal is to help you keep that fire going and love the career you have chosen.
A little bit about me:
1. I have an amazing family. They have supported my dreams, and passion from day one. They inspire me to be the best person I can be. And they are teaching me to love the simple life again. We love to do Spartan races and travel. But, we also love being at home and enjoying the small things.
2. After all of my research on dogs, I have had the pleasure of only owning mutts. Pure-bred rescue dogs who probably save me more than I save them. My first dog was Lady. She showed up in my front yard as a young dog and was my guide and confidant for 14 years. The one below is my current saint. She was my first child and in now one of my coparents to my kids.
3. I have dreamed of owning a horse since I was a toddler. Every Christmas, birthday, or plain old Saturday morning I would check the garage to make sure my parents didn’t surprise me with a horse. This year we finally added one to our family. The one on the left is Shadow (the school horse I have ridden for 20 years) and on the right is our new family member, Louis V. (aka Pocketbook with our trainer).
4. I have taught for 15 years. I started in an alternative middle school where you had to be expelled to gain a seat in my classroom. I then moved to South Carolina where I spent 7 years teaching 4th grade and then another 3 in 5th grade. When I got married I moved to Atlanta, GA where I spent 3 years teaching 3rd grade and one of those focusing on EIP (Early Intervention Program). My schools have ranged from Title 1 to affluent middle class schools. Each school taught me more and more about teaching kids to be strong and independent. I have spent the past few years being a full-time mom and next year I will return to teaching as an assistant in a two-year-old classroom. Each class has helped me continue to fine tune my classroom management and tailor it for my students.
In my years of teaching I have found a passion for writing. I have always wanted to be a writer myself. I continue to pursue this dream by attending writing conferences hosted by the Society of Children’s Book and Writers and taking classes. I also helped one of my school obtained the exemplary writing award for the district by reshaping how we taught writing.
Check out these popular posts and freebies to learn more about how I can help you in your classroom. (Click the link)
How to Teach Poetry (Even if you Hate It) – FREE Poetry Close Read
5 Tips on Managing Writer’s Workshop – FREE Conferencing Guides
Are Your Students Self-Assessing – FREE Weekly Student Self-Assessment
Check out these pages for more ideas and inspiration. (Click the link)
