THE LEARNING BEACH

I have been teaching for the past 19 years in a variety of school settings across the United States and overseas to include New Mexico, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Germany. I have taught first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grades. My home has been in third grade the past four years and I hope to stay put. Most of my experience has been working in Title I rural school settings. I love my job even after all of these years and feel blessed to have a career that is so rewarding.

I embrace a student-centered, active learning environment. I believe differentiated, small group instruction is for all elementary grade levels and try to implement a workshop framework for both reading and math using the Gradual Release of Responsibility model. I believe in hands-on, minds-on learning.

*2010 Teacher of the Year, District Finalist for Okaloosa County, Florida *2009 Teacher of the Year, Laurel Hill School *Awarded Donors Choose Professional Development Grant to attend the Institute of Multi-sensory Education (IMSE) 30 Hour Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham Summer Training in Columbus, Ohio

Bachelor of Science, Edinboro University of PA, 2000 Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning: Elementary Reading, NOVA Southeastern University 2010 Endorsements in ESOL and Reading from the state of Florida

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