I am in my sixth year at Sexton Elementary School where I currently teach my favorite grade, second grade. I find every day a challenge and a joy. Teaching is truly my passion and I hope to instill my passion for learning into my students. I wake up every day hoping to make a difference.
My Background
I grew up in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, a small town in the Western part of the state, close to the Connecticut border. I attended college at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst where I studied Psychology and Elementary Education. I received a degree in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and an Elementary Education Licensure. During my junior year at UMass I went on an exchange to University of Hawaii at Manoa, in Honolulu, Hawaii, where I was able to experience a whole different culture. I also spent seven summers as a camp counselor at two overnight summer camps, one in Central Mass and the other in the Berkshires of Massachusetts.
After graduating college I moved outside San Francisco, California as a nanny. I spent a year living and experiencing life on the West Coast. I then returned to Massachusetts and entered Graduate School at Westfield State College, where I received my Master of Education in Elementary Education. I also look forward to continuing my education throughout my teaching career. I then took a second grade position at an inner city school is Springfield, Massachusetts. After two years, I was again ready for warmer weather and I migrated down south, landing in St. Petersburg, Florida.
My Free Time Activities
I have many hobbies which include spending as much time as possible with my friends and family (who live all over the country and world). I love to travel. In the past two summers I have been lucky enough to visit fifteen European countries, and a little slice of Africa. Last summer I headed south to Costa Rica. This summer I traveled through Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Czech Republic. I can't wait to see what more the world has to offer! I am an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. I currently play recreational kickball, and grew up playing many sports, including soccer, softball, and basketball. I love writing poetry, scrap booking, photography, among many other things.
My Teaching Philosophy
In my classroom I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and inspiring atmosphere. I believe students learn best in a community of learners where they feel valued and respected. I teach to the needs of each child so that all my students can feel capable and successful. Teaching provides me with an opportunity for continual learning and growth. I hope to inspire my students to be great learners, as I share my passion for learning with them. Sexton Elementary School is a great place where these opportunities can occur every day!
My Professional Life
Since I have so much passion for teaching, I actively pursue all kinds of educational opportunities. During the 2009-2010 school year, I started the process of National Board Certification in the area of Middle Childhood Generalist. I am glad to announce that I passed this certification process and now hold this certification. I serve on several committees at my school. I am in my fourth year as 2nd Grade Team Leader. I am also serving as Pro-Ed Facilitator to help teachers at my school with Professional Development. I serve on the BPIE Committee (Best Practices in Inclusion Education) and am active as a key member. During the summer of 2011, I spent five amazing weeks as a member of the Tampa Bay Area Writing Project, a division of the National Writing Project. I am now a Teacher Consultant in the area of Writing for the greater Tampa Bay Area, and serve on the Leadership Council as head of Communications. In July 2011, my ideas were chosen and I am a Content Contributor to the www.walkthetalk.com book: A+ Teaching, 180 Ways to Enhance Your Success as a Teacher. Starting in the 2011-2012 School Year, I served as a Demonstration Teacher for Pinellas County Schools in the area of Reading, and now serve as the Model 2nd Grade Literacy teacher, and work with new teachers.I provide new teacher training for 2nd grade teachers in the "New Teacher Learning Cadre." I also am part of the "Leading the Learning Cadre" to provide professional development within my school. I look forward to continually finding opportunities to enhance my role as an educator.
