Hello Outschool Families and Learners! 
I am excited to bring you a variety of fun and exciting courses across subject areas, but I have a passion for connecting reading and math to nature and the outdoors. I have been teaching for 8 years now, and am certified to teach Pre-K through 6th grade in all subjects. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching. My personal teaching philosophy revolves around helping students find connections in what they are learning to what the are passionate about. For me, that might mean using measurement and observation to take care of houseplants, or reading to research which of my favorite animals would win in a competition against one another. 

When it comes to math, I find that guiding students through strategies that they can apply to many types of problems allows them to use critical thinking skills, take risks, and find the strategies that are most efficient without memorizing algorithms. In reading, I use several strategies from the Science of Reading to meet the needs of all learners. My phonics classes include explicit instruction and many examples so students can feel successful tackling new words, knowing exactly which rules those words may follow.

Finally, I firmly believe that time in nature allows children to hone important skills like observation, patience, self regulation, coordination, and independence. I spend time that I'm not teaching with my family, while also tending to my small planter garden, my 50+ houseplants, or my six backyard chickens. I hope to see you in class soon!