Personal
Places I’ve Lived:
Born in New York and have lived in Michigan, Iowa, Oklahoma and South Dakota
Family:
I am the 7th of 10 children and learned all I know about children from my wonderful Mother.
I am married to another Douglas teacher (Kip) and we have 3 sons who attended Douglas. (Kelly, Casey, Riley)
Interests:
Faith, Family, Genealogy, Reading, Teaching, Travel, the Irish and Learning new things.
Education and Experience:
Elementary Education Degree-Cameron University-Lawton, Oklahoma
Masters in Educational Admin.-South Dakota State U Brookings, South Dakota
60 additional coursework credits in science, math, reading, social studies, technology, learning theory, and early childhood.
Kindergarten teacher in the Douglas School District since 1987- half day program, full day- every-other-day program and full day- everyday program.
Educational Belief Statements:
I Believe:
1) All children can learn and deserve to have teachers who respect and care about them as well as encourage them to grow in all areas.
2) A child’s physical and emotional needs must be met before they can move forward with new learning in school.
3)Students need to know what is expected of them and have some structure in their day while allowing flexibility to explore new opportunities as they arise.
4) It is my responsibility to provide children with a safe, comfortable place in which they can learn.
5)Learning can, and should be fun and enjoyable and that children need to laugh some every day.
6) Kindergarten is a time of social growth and the social aspect of our program is every bit as important as the academic aspect.
7) Children all bring special personalities and talents to our classroom and they need to be appreciated for those gifts.
8) Children learn in various ways and I need to provide for their auditory (hearing), visual (seeing), and kinesthetic (touching), learning style through a variety of lessons that will involve them completely.
9) Parents and teachers want what is best for their children and must work together to help children succeed in school.
10) I am a guide who can show my students how to find answers as they become proficient problem solvers.
11) Children have a natural curiosity for learning about the world and it is my job to foster a love of lifetime learning in the children I serve.