Novel Queen

I started teaching 18 years ago and have taught all subjects in both the General Education and ESE classroom settings and at the Elementary and Middle School levels. I have chaired literacy initiatives through partnerships with community organizations such as the Junior League of Sarasota and the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. Through these opportunities I worked to develop my school's Mobile Literacy Lab including nearly 200 class sets of novels and informational texts (K-8 level) and over 200 instructional manipulative kits that teachers can use for intervention and enrichment. I have also led Book Clubs, Writing Camps and Math Clubs to improve my students' access to rigorous educational opportunities.

When teaching whole group I like to infuse technology, music and Kagan style Cooperative Learning models to keep students engaged and accountable for thinking at their highest potential. I observe their levels of engagement and mastery to develop flexible small groups and differentiate instruction according to each student's/group's needs. As I teach Reading and Writing I utilize individual conferencing on both a formal and informal basis as needed, as well as Book Club meetings to discuss our novels in an inclusive engaged setting. The priority is always on increasing rigor to the highest possible level while still ensuring mastery.

Teacher of the Year, Nominated for Inclusion Teacher of the Year for Sarasota County, Published Research. My greatest moments are in my students' success and when they come back to visit years later. I stay in contact with many of my students, attend their graduations and mentor them in college and their careers.

Elementary Education, University of South Florida, National Board Certification: Middle Childhood Literacy with an emphasis on rigorous literacy development in at-risk student populations, ESE Certification, ESOL Certification

Founded the Title I Teacher Support Network through the Light Education Inc.--a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. www.TeachTitleOne.org offers mentoring and informational support to teachers in higher poverty Title I schools. Partnered with Dr. Marie Byrd at the University of South Florida to conduct research on Culturally Responsive Teaching. Presented published findings with Dr. Byrd at state level and national education conferences including the National Title I Conference.