My Core Values
I am high school English teacher who:
- Values the unique perspectives of students. I recognize that my students’ experiences are not my experiences, and I strive to make room for all voices to be heard. I encourage opportunities for students to share their ideas both in writing and in class discussion connected to our course readings.
- Believes in the power of literature to spark thinking and generate important discussions about history, society, culture, and human behavior. I love to share my passion for reading—and I enjoy offering opportunities for students to connect literature to personal experiences, past events, and current trends. My class discussions promote deep thinking and, at times, lively debates!
- Promotes active listening, personal reflection and critical thinking. I encourage the practice of asking questions—especially “why” questions (including why we read certain books or work on certain assignments). I encourage students to read with the text and against the text (no matter what text it is), and provide opportunities for students to reflect on their own learning in writing and during face-to-face writing conferences. I also teach students to practice critical discourse, so that even as they are reflecting and asking questions, they are also actively listening to others.
- Shares a passion for writing and speaking well. Having experience in marketing and public relations before becoming a teacher, I know that communication skills are important well beyond the English Language Arts classroom. I enjoy connecting the skills we practice in English class to college and the professional world, reminding students that activities such as working on small group projects, writing email messages and delivering persuasive speeches all build skills that transfer to the “real world.”
- Believes in the power of writing for personal expression and the exchange of ideas. In addition to teaching formal, academic writing, I provide opportunities for students to write without worrying about a grade. I see value in the practice of writing, which includes the process of finding words to match thoughts and feelings, sometimes without following the rules of Standard English.
- Differentiates and individualizes instruction to meet my students where they are. As much as possible, I offer choices for writing assignments and major projects--and extra scaffolding when needed. Revisions and re-dos are also allowed, as long as students meet with me to discuss work. I am committed to following IEP and 504 plans, and collaborate with special education teachers and specialists in my building to ensure that students’ needs are met. Finally, I try to be sensitive to students who are experiencing difficulties at home or in their personal lives, and look for ways to provide flexibility with assignments and/or timelines to better support them. If you need help, please see me!
Professional Experience and Educational Background
The list below provides a snapshot of my professional experience--but please keep in mind it is only a snapshot. If you would like to know more about my educational background or professional interests, please ask!
- "Safe Space" Advocate; attended "Silent Crisis: Educational Issues Affecting LBGTQ Youth" workshop -- June 2016
- Member of the National Council of Teachers of English -- currently
- Member of the Okemos High School National Honor Society Faculty Council -- currently
- Attended Autism Awareness Training -- October 2014
- M.A. English Language and Literature (focus on young adult lit) -- Central Michigan University -- May 2012
- English Teacher -- Okemos High School -- currently; since August 2007
- English Teacher Intern -- Holt High School -- one year, completed May 2007
- B.A. English -- Michigan State University -- May 2006
- Marketing and Public Relations Counselor -- Pace & Partners, Old Town Lansing (now Gud Marketing) -- through August 2003
- B.S. Agriculture and Natural Resources Communications -- Michigan State University -- December 1999
- Resident Assistant and various other jobs on campus -- Michigan State University -- August 1997 through May 1999
My Life Outside of School
In addition to being a teacher, I am a wife and mother, daughter and sister--and family time is important to me! My hobbies include reading and writing for pleasure, hanging out in bookstores, trying new recipes, and exercising.