I have been learning from and teaching children for 19 years in special and elementary settings in various states. I also have had the opportunity to collaborate and share through presenting numerous workshops.
From being greatly inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, my image of the child leads the learning and teaching in the community of our classroom. "Children are strong, rich and capable with potential and curiosity to construct their learning" (Lella Gandini) Therefore, I need to collaborate with others to reflect on my own instruction, the opportunities I offer and the encouragement to challenge the children to inspire and learn.
* Teacher of the Year 2011-2012 * Cary Honor-A-Teacher Finalist 2011 * Team Leader 2011, 2002-2003 * Keystone Technology Integrator Award 2009 * Model Classroom Recognition 2010, 2005-2009, 1996 * Teacher Excellence Center Award 2006-2007 * Educational Coordinator 1996-2000 * Semi-Finalist Teacher of the Year 2003 * PAEYC presenter * Program for Collaborative Learning at Carnegie Mellon University presenter * Ohio Invitational Conference presenter * ActivWake 2011 presenter
Special/Elementary Education from Marywood University Psychology from University of Pittsburgh
Hello! I am being a risk-taker!! This is what I ask of my classroom children and my own children (2 boys), therefore, I need to step up and be one myself. So here goes...
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
English Language Arts, Balanced Literacy, Reading, Math, Arithmetic, Basic Operations, Graphing, Numbers, Word Problems, Writing, Holidays/Seasonal, Autumn, Halloween