Public Speaking Help Desk: One-On-One Practice and Help for Presentations

Hello! I am a certified English and journalism teacher in the state of Iowa and was a Library Director for almost 18 years.  I spent those years happily sharing books and the love of reading through story times, after school programs, and outreach to schools. As a member of the Rural Library Fellowship, I created a reading project for 2nd and 3rd graders in my community that increased their reading scores by 32%. Before becoming a librarian, I had 5 years of classroom experience as well as 10 years of private tutoring experience. I have been teaching remotely for 4 years.

I love teaching literacy, writing, and reading skills as well as the LOVE of reading to all ages on Outschool. My philosophy is that reading and good books can teach skills across the curriculum.  I incorporate the science of reading and individualize each lesson to work the core skills that each student needs to fill in gaps so that they can be more successful and have more fun with their reading. I have seen the love of and interest in reading and books die in students using a traditional curriculum, and I want that interest and love to last a lifetime!  I also love to read with kids and talk about books so they not only have fun with them, but also think of them as friends that can help them along their path in life.  

In my spare time, in addition to reading, I love to travel, work out, play with my cat, and cheer for the Iowa State Cyclones!