Grade/subject: Kindergarten at Shamrock Springs
Number of years teaching: 26 years (10 years preschool/16 years elementary)
Background/schooling: Mayville High School, N.Y.; bachelor’s in elementary education, Ohio Northern University; and masters in education, Indiana University, Ft. Wayne.
Why did you become a teacher? My seventh-grade teacher made learning engaging for me through many hands-on projects. I changed from a struggling student to an achieving student. This motivated me to become a teacher and pass on to others the love of learning.
What goals do you have for your students? My overall goal is for my kindergarten children to love coming to school and to gain confidence in themselves as they grow socially and academically. I know I have achieved this when I see them smiling as they go to their first-grade classroom!
What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills? I suggest that my parents make learning fun at home by using a variety of multi-sensory materials. Examples include salt trays, highlighters, scented markers, and play dough. Early bedtimes and limiting video games are a plus too!
What is your favorite movie? “Fiddler on the Roof” and “The Wizard of Oz” are two of my favorite movies.
Who is your favorite musician or band? I really enjoy Carrie Underwood.
What’s something your students might not know about you? I was on my high school’s first girls swim team. We did not win many meets, but we were the pathway to future high school girls sports.
