*take notes about interesting things
*collect ideas for stories, poems, or future "writings"
*practice independent writing
*download feelings and thoughts
*build confidence

I have over 20 years of experience teaching grades 3 through 8. I hold a bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University, where I studied Elementary Education. In addition, I have a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. My classroom environment fosters imagination, growth, and experimentation. Students feel safe exploring the learning process, and proud of their accomplishments. My passion for teaching many subject areas, but particularly reading, writing, arts, and SEL is quite evident as I often believe in weaving the disciplines together in a cross-curricular approach. I have attended many reading and writing conferences over the years to keep up on the most current literacy practices. In my free time I enjoy reading, journaling, blogging, and writing poetry. Sharing this passion with students is a tremendous joy!

ILA (International Literacy Association) Member and attendee.
Endorsements in language arts, science, math, SEL (IFSEL) and PBL (see below)

Certification/Training: 
IFSEL, The Institute For Social And Emotional Learning, San Mateo, CA
ILA (International Literacy Association) Member and attendee.
Certification in Art Therapy - Primo Learning Institute
PBL (Project Based Learning) Workshop - PBLWORKS - Buck Institute For Education