I am a seventh year Teacher at the Godfrey-lee Early Childhood Center. I taught kindergarten for 5 years and first grade for 1 and Virtual Kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year. I have my masters in Digital Leading and Learning from Lamar University. I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2013, where obtained my elementary education teaching certificate and a major in integrated science. I am a member of the National Science Teacher Association, the Michigan Science Teacher Association and the Michigan Reading Association. I completed my teacher assisting at North Godwin Elementary, in a 1st grade classroom. My student teaching was completed at National Heritage Academy: Ridge Park Charter in a 6th grade classroom. I have also worked as a Math Intervention Specialist for a year at North Godwin Elementary.
I love teaching! It is amazing to watch students learn, explore, become confident learners that love learning! I try to make all of my lessons engaging, hands on and spark curiosity. I think that building strong relationships with students and their families is key in teaching. To do this I communicate with parents very often and take time to talk with each student to learn who they are and what they are passonate about. I hold my students to high expectations and encourage their hard work and perseverance by creating a positive, safe & organized classroom environment where all students have the opportunity to achieve success! I have a passion for teaching timeless skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking through STEAM lessons, PBL and genius hour. I believe students learn best using the COVA approach (where students have Choice in their learning, Ownership of their work, a Voice to share their learning, all through Authentic learning experiences). I love using technology any way I can to help students learn, share ideas and create. I also have a passion for science and feel students need hands on expriences to further their learning & curiosity both in the classroom and outdoors. Students are prepared for learning when their bodies and minds are ready so I feel it is important to teach growth mindset and mindfulness. Teaching is a balance of content and many other skills & its my job to prepare students to be successful, kind and happy people beyond my classroom. More about Me: My hobby is to plan and create tools and resources for the classroom! I love learning and growing every year that I teach! I have a 3 year old son, Westley, and a 1 year old daughter Hadyn that keep me busy! We also have a "mini zoo" with our dog Ryley, cat Endo, pet Turtle and fish. My favorite season is fall because I love Thanksgiving dinner, spending time with family and watching football. I am a big Lions and Michigan fan! Go BLUE! In my spare time I enjoy playing with my kids, getting outside, watching movies, crafting, reading books, doing yoga & traveling! |