Grade/school: Seventh- and eighth-grade special education, Westfield Middle School
Number of years teaching: Seven
Background/schooling: Guilford High School, Rockford, Ill.; Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill.; and Butler University, Indianapolis.
Why did you become a teacher? I was working as an aide while my own children were still in elementary school and I noticed that I really enjoyed working with smaller groups of students who struggled in reading and math. I completed a transition to teaching program for special education and my masters at Butler.
What goals do you have for your students? Learn organization, study and problem solving skills before entering high school.
What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills? Limit TV, computer and video games during the week. Check over homework and let your students know their education is important to you.
What is your favorite movie? “That Thing You Do.”
Who is your favorite musician or band? Steven Curtis Chapman
What’s something your students might not know about you? I love to down-hill ski.
