I received 4 professional development hours for the 2021-2022 Facing History Community Read Workshop, "Teaching Brown Girl Dreaming," through Facing History & Ourselves https://www.facinghistory.org/ . In addition, I attended a follow-up seminar with author Jacqueline Woodson--"Brown Girl Dreaming: Exploring Identity and Belonging with Jacqueline Woodson."

Hello! I am a certified English/Language Arts teacher 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.

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 have homeschooled my 3 children for 20 years, and I teach literature, writing, and public speaking classes to other homeschool students. 

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

I have taught many works of literature, including some 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. 

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, 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, when I'm not writing, I enjoy Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons, scrapbooking, watching movies, and backyard chicken farming! 

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 a class you wish I would offer or a time you hope I can schedule a session, please send me a message. I’m always looking for teaching ideas! I'm looking forward to meeting you in the classroom! :) 
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*As part of my Bachelor of Arts in English and postgraduate studies, I successfully completed college courses related to adolescent literature and development, including Children's Literature, Adolescent Growth & Development, Reading Content Area, English in Secondary Schools, Sexuality & Marriage, Personal & Community Health, Marriage & Family in the Novel, and Literature for Adolescents. In addition, I completed coursework in African American literature and African American history as part of my degree program.

**The Pace language arts program is a partnership grant from Pace Industries that identifies and mentors students at risk for dropping out of school to provide a comprehensive framework of learning that is engaging, flexible, rigorous, supportive, and relevant to college/ career readiness for all students. 

***Natural Helper is a nationally recognized program where middle and high school aged students help their friends. Students who become Natural Helpers are recognized amongst their peers as being natural leaders, and people they gravitate to for support. Natural Helpers aren't professional therapists, rather, they are expert listeners and attempt to help their friends figure out their own issues by talking them through. Students naturally talk with their peers before any other adult, on issues relating to academic stress, boyfriend/girlfriend issues, or situations occurring at home. Every Natural Helper participates in a training program to help them recognize when they can help their friends, and when and where to ask for help for issues beyond their comfort level.