Due to these beliefs, I am highly interested in professional development using a wide variety of methods. In addition to the items listed above, I am also a member of a number of professional organizations to aid in my growth as a teacher including: the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children, the International Reading Association, and the Michigan Reading Association.

I am an avid reader. I have read many books on education, early childhood education, child development, and special education as well as classroom management. I also enjoy reading the professional journals that I subscribe to as well as teacher magazines. I really enjoy the many ideas that I see in them.

In addition, I also use the internet in searching for ideas and information as well. I am a member of a number of list-servs, which I both contribute answers and post questions. This allows me to see the opinions and ideas of other teachers as well as to help them when I am able. If you are interesting in joining a list-serv or mail group some helpful sites to me are as follows: Teachers.net mailring, Mosaic of Thought, and yahoo mailgroups (type in a grade, subject or anything that you are interested in to join a group).

Professional Goals:

I have high expectations for myself and for my students. I aim to always be a positive influence on my students' personal and academic growth, and on the school where I teach. I see myself as a learner as well as an educator. I am currently pursuing a M.A. degree in education with a focus on literacy education. I aspire to earn an endorsement in Child Development enabling me to better understand and teach students.