Professional Biography

As a young girl, I loved playing “school” with other kids in our neighborhood.    Each time we played, I persuaded my friends to let me be the “teacher” because I was older and wiser, of course.  I neatly lined up my stuffed animals and baby dolls on the shag carpet in our family room and pretended that they were my “pupils” studiously sitting at their desks.   With a small black board and a piece of white chalk in hand, I taught arithmetic lessons, endlessly sung the Alphabet Song and showed my students how to properly write their letters.   The best part about being the teacher, in my mind, was grading papers and marking out incorrect answers with a big, red ink pen.    I always had that deep spark within me to teach, but as a young college graduate, I chose instead to eagerly join the business world, specifically pharmaceutical sales. An unconventional path, evolved over numerous years, lead me to become an elementary educator.

During my ten years in pharmaceutical sales, I conducted workshops and made sales calls where I taught physicians and healthcare professionals about diseases and cutting edge medication. While the job was financially rewarding, I struggled with inner feelings of restlessness and emptiness.    I later had the privilege of staying home to raise my own three children and enjoyed the time I spent with them participating in activities within our community.  During this time, I had the opportunity to take on various volunteer leadership roles, teaching and interacting with young children.  I served as Director of our church AWANA’s program,  MOPS coordinator, and taught both Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  As a result, an intense desire to instruct children was sparked, and I made it my ambition to become a teacher in some capacity.

  As my youngest son began first grade, I was thrilled to accept a position as the Physical Education teacher’s assistant at Coder Elementary.  I worked alongside the most amazing, inspirational teacher, Mrs. Shaunfield.    Her exuberance, upbeat personality and zest for life were constantly exhibited throughout the classroom.  She created a fun, interactive learning environment which provided each student with the ability for success, praise and recognition.  I absolutely loved my role as teacher assistant and learned so much over the course of four years about motivating students, building self- esteem and turning unproductive patterns around.  It was at that point that I decided to go back to school, get my alternative teaching certification, and pursue a position in a traditional classroom setting.  I longed to develop deeper, more personal relationships with students and help them reach their full academic potential.  

 I love Helen Keller’s quote, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”  In my first year as a classroom teacher, it has been my vision to do just that; instill optimism, courage and confidence in my students.  One of my most significant contributions to teaching thus far is the positive interpersonal relationships that I’ve formed with my students, parents, my colleagues.  I not only provide my students with affirmation and empower them to take risks, but I encourage them to step outside their comfort zone and truly take a vested interest in their learning.   I also pride myself on being proactive, and compassionate when communicating with parents. It is my philosophy that creating positive partnerships with parents and the community in a child’s education will result in greater academic achievement.  Because I am a goal driven, trusted team player, I seek not only to work supportively alongside students and parents, but desire to work cooperatively with my colleagues at Coder Elementary to pursue academic excellence.

To me, teaching is not just a profession; it is a way of life.  I humbly realize that my actions and words can have an influence on others both inside as well as outside the classroom.  That is why I seek to model honesty, integrity, determination and a loving heart.  I am continually challenged by my students and colleagues to be a better teacher and person.   While I passionately believe that the relationships I cultivate within my school and community can change a child’s life, I am honored and blessed by how they have rewarded and influenced me.