PHILOSOPHY:

I want my students to have learning experiences that are flexible to their individual interests and needs, but also help them to build the necessary skills to contribute as community members and citizens. I find that choice and independent discovery fuel student interest in learning. I have engaged in extensive research with my department colleagues about student voice & choice. This has helped me to grow so that my classroom is a place where students have a sense of agency over their learning. I care deeply about student motivation and my practice is rooted in the Self Determination Theory.

 I believe that my students should learn to develop problem solving and research skills through independent and small group project-based learning tasks. My goal is to facilitate authentic learning opportunities for students whenever I can. Our school district provides a 1-1 learning environment which facilitates the opportunity to utilize web-based tools and databases when studying the world and events that are happening in real time.

My curriculum is focused on contemporary issues and the development of skills needed to engage in inquiry and civil discourse. Each unit culminates with authentic assessments instead of a traditional “test”. I believe this gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a way that is meaningful to the world outside the walls of the classroom. 

I belive that ALL of my students deserve high expectations and a warm, supportive approach. All of my students are capable of reaching for and beyond grade level learning targets, and more importantly, contributing to our learning community so they can contribute to their community and are ready for whatever they aspire to in their future. 

ABOUT ME:

I was born in northern Indiana, but moved in 6th grade to DeForest, WI. I know what it is like to be “ the new kid” in middle school. I and attended college at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse where I deepened my love for studying and teaching history and the Social Studies. I also competed collegiately in track & field and cross country. I then attended the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to earn my Masters in Education and my teaching license.

I love running, hiking and biking and traveling with my husband. I also enjoy playing basketball and volleyball from time to time. I love to read, cook, learn about cultures and world history and all things Harry Potter. I am a Packer and Badger fan and love to watch NCAA and Milwaukee Bucks basketball. I served for 16 years as the head varstiy cross country coach for the girls program and coached track for 14 years at Shorewood High School. GO GREYHOUNDS! 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

2003-Present    Shorewood Intermediate School

2002-2003    Valley Middle School, Apple Valley, Minnesota

EDUCATION

M.Ed. Secondary Social Studies Education - University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 2004

B.S. History - University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse 2001

DISTINCTIONS

Wisconsin CESA 1 Civics Fellow 2023-24

Wisconsin Teacher of the Year 2023

Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies President 2023-2025

Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies President Elect 2021-2023

Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies Board of Directors 2018-Present

Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies Distinguished Teacher of the Year 2017-2018

Milwaukee Metropolitan Alliance for Black School Educators Teacher of the Year 2015

National Council for the Social Studies Member

Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies Member

Wisconsin Geographic Alliance Member

Metropolitan Milwaukee Alliance of Black School Educators Teacher of the Yeart Award Recipient 2014

SEED Shorewood Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient 2013-2014

Coaching Experience

Shorewood Girls Cross Country 2003-2019

Shorewood High School Track & Field 2003-2017

Shorewood Intermediate School Basketball, Volleyball, Track & Cross Country 2002-2003

Apple Valley Senior High School Track & Field 2001-2002

Valley Middle School Cross Country & Basketball 2001-2002