Hi,

I am an experienced elementary educator for 25+ years. I have a Master's in Teaching and two Bachelor's; one in Cultural Anthropology and one in Fine Art. You could say I love to learn and that is what I think is so special about teaching. That is, good teachers are life-long learners.

My curiosities have taken me in varied directions, including international teaching, and continually have me adding to my tools and skills as a practitioner. I started teaching in bilingual classes and secured that professional endorsement. I then went on to get art, social studies, Spanish and gifted and talented endorsements added to my State certificates for teaching.

For the past 10 years I have been interested in the intersection of science and technology, and sustainable agriculture/eco-education. To that end, I continue to develop my knowledge and skills. I am presently pursuing International Standards for Technology Education certification and dream of a "classroom" that is as much outside as inside, as much with hands in the dirt, as hands building using various different materials.

Every job I've had has broadened my perspective and I apply those layers to my current positions. For example, I have specialized training in science instruction through the Illinois Institute of Technology and prefer writing curricula that is inquiry and project based, as I was trained. I spent a number of years as a gifted and talented teacher and that experience has me emphasizing creative and critical thinking over correct answers.

In sum, I became an educator to make a difference for young people and am passionate about teaching and learning.