Book Talk: Dead End in Norvelt

Hello! I am a certified English/Language Arts teacher and ACE Educator and believe in embracing the “light bulb” moments of discovery that happen both in and out of the classroom. My goal is to make learning relevant to students’ interests by providing unique and fun ways to strengthen reading and writing skills, explore literature, and learn about our world. 

Classes I offer on Outschool include creative writing, essay writing, literature studies, phonics, and reading skills. I also offer private tutoring, catered to your learner's needs, for all ages.

My classes are designed around the idea that kids can learn language arts through creative projects and real-world experiences. Literature and writing are more meaningful when students can relate them to their own lives and what is going on in the world around them. 

From the time I was a child, I always wanted to be a teacher. I am a certified English teacher with classroom experience (grades 6-12) in Texas and South Carolina, in addition to substitute teaching for all grade levels (K-12) and special education classes. I have a BA degree in English from College of Charleston and 30+ postgraduate hours. I am TESOL certified and taught ESL classes online to students in China for 4 years. I am also certified in Early Reading Training through the Tennessee Department of Education. I homeschooled my 3 children for over 20 years, and taught literature, writing, and public speaking classes to other homeschool students. Currently, I am employed as a student disability services coordinator at a local college.

As part of my Bachelor of Arts in English and postgraduate studies, I successfully completed college courses related to adolescent literature and development. I completed coursework in African American literature and African American history as part of my degree program. I received 4 professional development hours for the 2021-2022 Facing History Community Read Workshop, "Teaching Brown Girl Dreaming," through Facing History & Ourselves with author Jacqueline Woodson.

I have taught all levels of literature, including some books with 'sensitive' content, to students in a classroom setting. As with almost any work of literature, many themes and plot details can be controversial, and my role as an educator and facilitator in the classroom is to guide students to deal with these topics within the scope of their literary relevance. 

Additionally, I taught the 'Pace' program for at-risk students for the Southwest Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas. I also completed a training program as a high school teacher in South Carolina, becoming certified as a 'Natural Helper' faculty mentor.

In addition to my training and experience, I love children's and young adult literature and enjoy using 'fun' books to teach important language arts skills using a cross-curricular approach. Outside of my classroom, I enjoy watching movies, collecting Pokémon, and cooking.

One of my greatest joys is working with students and motivating them to enjoy learning. As the mom to 3 children, I am very patient and encouraging! My goal as a teacher is to make learning memorable, fun, and rewarding. If you have any thoughts about how I can customize a class for your learner, please send me a message. I’m always looking for ways to accommodate learners. I'm looking forward to meeting you in the classroom! :)