Smarter Teaching K-8

I've taught all grades K-8. Most of my experience is in grades 3 and 4. I've served on a variety of district committees, but I especially enjoy working on projects that involve behavior and classroom management. I've mentored new teachers within my district and had the pleasure of working with many student teachers. I've also worked with teachers who are in the process of improving classroom management per their evaluation.

My teaching style is structured and driven by procedure. Within this framework, children are given a great deal of responsibility for problem-solving and encouraged to take risks. We do our personal best every day but with the understanding that we are not perfect. Mistakes are opportunities to learn. And, we laugh. A sense of humor goes a long way towards building healthy teacher/student relationships. I am an advocate of differentiation and scaffolding. My products allow each child to successfully approach learning from his/her level of academic sophistication.

Proudest moments: My school district asked if I'd be willing to in-service teachers on classroom management and mentor struggling teachers. Professors of education encouraged me to start offering my work to others. I've successfully mentored many student students.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Studies along with many additional graduate level credit hours. My educational focus has been behavior, understanding the brain, and classroom management.

I worked in a struggling school for many years - forcing me to find ways to reach ALL children. I then taught in an A+ school. I am currently working as ELL teacher.