About Me

Originally from the United Kingdom, I have lived in the United States for over 32 years now. Although I will always consider myself as an expatriate Brit, I am also a proud U.S. citizen :)

I am a second career teacher, deciding that since I had always wanted to be 'in the classroom' - it really wasn't too late to go back to school and add a degree in Education to my resume!

Before I taught, I was in sales. Tops in the U.S. at selling Tupperware (plastic really does create profit!) and then selling 'space' for a hospitality company in Iowa. Days and nights were filled with working with brides and corporate events. Now I 'sell' education to kids.

Teaching has become a joy in my life. Every day is filled with thoughts about how I can be better. How can I do more for my kids?

As a teacher, I have strong beliefs about truly doing what's best for kids and following the research.

My goal is to shift the ownership of the learning to the kids. I focus on frequent reflection and self-assessment. Pushing the kids to evaluate themselves is a game-changer.

My focus is on retrieval and connections, helping students to take what they know to help them to learn the 'new stuff.'

I have worked in a co-taught environment, with ELL students, typical and advanced. I have taught ELA to both sixth and seventh grade.

My favorite challenge so far has been my seventh-grade advanced ELA students. Those kids are GOLD and have taught me to be better every single day.

How would I describe my teaching style?

Strategic & Experimental

I love it

Teaching opportunities are everywhere and always on my mind. Every experience in life teaches you something about teaching. When something is boring, when an event is fun, when you find you want more - everything gives us clues to what will work with kids.

The Personal Stuff

I have two children, Ben and Steph. Ben is at college after 6+ years in the US Navy, and Steph is a world traveler, currently making Perth, Australia her home. My husband, Paul, and I are enjoying life as empty nesters.

We have two dogs - Yuffie, our elderly Italian Greyhound/Chihuahua cross, and Toffee-Girl our Mexican Bull Terrier (we made that up after seeing her DNA!). Our final family member is Diablo Del Sol (Sunny), my wonderful 30-year old horse!

When I am not worrying about my students or working to make my teaching better, I am either watching football (soccer), riding my horse, or walking my dog. I fit the British cliche well. I even have a Barbour coat and Wellington boots!

I also drive a Mini - what color? British Racing Green, of course!