Grade/school/subject: 4th grade, Hazel Dell Elementary School
Professional accomplishments/experiences:
- Lead Technology Teacher at Hazel Dell Elementary School
- Noblesville Schools Education Foundation Grant-to allow students to collaborate together to build strong writers through creativity
- Indiana Youth Institute’s Professional Development Grant-to attend technology conference in North Carolina
- Wahl-Morse Grant-to assist in literacy development of English as a Second Language learners
- Madison County Principal Forum Presenter
Why she became a teacher: “Initially, I graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a Marketing Degree. As I tutored in a homeless shelter and mentored for a youth group, I realized teaching was my true passion. Teaching seemed to involve everything I loved to do: building positive relationships with youth, using creativity to make exciting lessons, and collaborating with colleagues. After obtaining my teaching license, I realized it was the perfect fit for me!”
Goals for students: “I strive for my students to be able to think critically by looking at problems in a new way, to collaborate effectively amongst one another to reach a goal, to communicate their thoughts, questions and ideas, and to utilize creativity to accomplish tasks in an innovative way. As students master these critical-thinking areas, they will show growth in the classroom, as well as throughout their lives.”
Advice she would give to parents: “My advice for parents would be to take an active interest in your child’s work. Make time every day to talk with your child about the day’s activities. Let them know you care, and really listen to what they have to say. The difference between your child becoming unplugged about learning or continuing to think about learning can be in a simple question.”
What makes Noblesville Schools special: “The sense of community throughout Noblesville is a huge asset. We decided to send our two children to Noblesville Schools because of the awesome programs that the district offers. Programs such as Noblesville Works and Noblesville Schools Education Foundation sets Noblesville Schools apart. It is amazing that the entire community partners together in order for the students to succeed!”
Something others might not know about her: I love spending time outdoors with my family. While living in Colorado one of my favorite hikes was the Devil’s Causeway. It has a “land bridge” that is almost 50 feet in length, and narrows to as little as three feet in width. On both sides are 60-80 foot cliffs, with steep slopes dropping another 600-800 feet into the drainage below. I can’t believe I walked (crawled) across it!”
