Philosophy of Education in the Classroom & in the Library

I believe in instruction through creativity and innovation and leadership through authenticity and service. Whether I am working with students, parents, or colleagues, it is my goal to assess needs, develop differentiated teaching and learning strategies, organize and maintain progressive action plans, and facilitate collaboration.

Learning should be conceptual, allowing students to confidently identify and solve problems. Students should clearly see how skills and strategies apply to disciplines and real-world scenarios so that learning endures beyond classroom experiences. That's why, in my classroom, I work with my classes to create a positive environment that establishes expectations, challenges students, celebrates differences, and supports academic and social-emotional growth.

My students take the lead by asking questions as they use a variety of tools and digital resources to seek answers, draw new conclusions, and achieve high levels of success. I help my students to discover their passions, believe in their abilities, develop leadership skills, uncover a love for reading, and see themselves as creative problem solvers.

I believe that my job isn't to present students with facts to memorize. It is to teach with flexibility and responsiveness to facilitate the exploration of concepts and to help students truly engage in the process of purposeful, reflective learning.

Above all else, I want to build relationships with my students so that I can genuinely empower them to think, accept challenges, have confidence, develop strong character, and leave my classroom knowing that they are capable of mastering their goals. Together, we practice to make progress and we celebrate student accomplishments with pride.

Please navigate this site as it is a representation of my passion and commitment to work in education. Thank you for your time and consideration.

In education, my experience includes teaching in Northbrook District 27 and Crystal Lake District 47 for seventeen years:

• Sixth-grade reading and language arts and reading at Wood Oaks Junior High School

• Seventh-grade public speaking at Wood Oaks Junior High School

• Sixth and eighth-grade reading intervention and advisory at Wood Oaks Junior High School

• Sixth-grade and seventh-grade language arts and social studies at Hannah Beardsley Middle School

• Assistant Principal at Hannah Beardsley Middle School

• Sixth-grade grade gifted language arts and social studies at Lundahl Middle School

• Fourth-grade at Glacier Ridge Elementary School

My professional certifications include:

• Library Information Specialist (K-12)

• General Administrative (K-12) [Type 75]

• Reading Specialist (K-12)

• Professional Educator License (K-9) [Middle School Language Arts]