I am so excited to get to know your 6th graders! This is my 11th year of teaching. I graduated from Oklahoma State University (Go Pokes!) in 2004 with a degree in Journalism & Broadcasting. I worked as a newspaper editor and then for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in child welfare and at a juvenile detention facility as a teacher before becoming alternatively certified to teach in 2008. I have also taught English to inmates. I worked in a small school teaching 7th through 12th grade and yearbook, then a metro school district teaching 7th/8th Language Arts, and Title I Reading.
I have one son, who is in 7th grade, and four dogs who are spoiled rotten. In my spare time, I love watching sports, reading, and being outside. I love all things OSU and Thunder, chocolate, and the color purple.
I was born with permanent genetic nerve damage to my hearing, so I am hard of hearing. I can adapt to most situations, but at times it takes a little more patience from students. I have been very open about my disability with students, and am always happy to answer questions. In January and May of 2019, I had surgery to get cochlear implants. They're still very new and overwhelming but I'm noticing a difference already. I'm doing lots of rehab and listening practice and I'm confident this will make me a better educator. My test scores have already improved drastically. I am so excited I get to teach ELA Enrichment this year and I have chosen to teach American Sign Language. I have been slowly learning for several years and am eager to give kids a basic knowledge of a new language.
I look forward to a great school year! Please contact me anytime with anything you need at all!