I grew up in a family of 7 brothers and sisters -- one of whom is my twin -- in southeastern Idaho. Although I spent my formative years in Pocatello, I have traveled/lived in a number of states besides Idaho. I regret not getting to "have roots" in one particular place as an adult, but on the other hand, I have gained many valuable experiences by living in or visiting many different places. This has helped in my growth as a teacher because I have had opportunities to learn firsthand from so many people and places.
It was my daughter's 6th grade teacher that influenced me in my decision to return to college and become a teacher. When I did, I enjoyed the diversity of classes (that were available to me) so much that I almost did not want to graduate! As a teacher, I continue to look for further educational opportunities through workshops, collaboration, college courses and inservices. I also enjoy sharing new ideas with others so that we may all grow together to benefit the children we teach.
Opportunities for me to work with children came through leading Girl Scout troops, teaching Sunday School, working as a teaching aide, being a substitute teacher in short and long term assignments and in having my own classroom. I have touched the lives of students from preschoolers through students in high school classes while substituting. Using my college minor, I have also worked as a Media Specialist in school libraries. During the past 6 years, while teaching full time, I have taught all day Kindergarten, first, second, fourth grades and double sessions of half day Kindergarten.
My interest in technology has led me to learning basic html to make homepages for teachers resources and my own classroom website. I hope to add to my knowledge of technology through the use of my digital camera and scanner making slide shows or iMovies with photographs that I have taken of my classroom activities and will continue to take classes to widen my expertise. In the future, I hope to make webquests for my students to use when online.
I discovered, through firsthand experience, that I, as a Kindergarten teacher, had a big influence in making the beginning of their educational journey positive and one that they will remember all their lives. I am also passionate about teaching students how to become better writers and therefore, enjoy 2nd Graders who are starting to improve the basics they learned in their Kindergarten and First Grade writing skills. Modeling to fourth graders my high interest level, while learning about their own state, was something I particularly enjoyed doing with them. The projects I developed with other classes and their teachers, added to the worldwide learning experiences that I have provided to those students that I have had the privilege to teach. I hope to continue my growing, along with students in the elementary grades, for a long time to come.