Grade/school: Fourth grade at Monon Trail Elementary
Number of years teaching: 14
Background/schooling: Pilot Grove High School (Missouri); bachelor’s in elementary education, Indiana University, IUPUI; and master’s in education, Indiana Wesleyan, Indianapolis.
Why did you become a teacher? I pursued my degree in education after my two children were in middle school. I wanted a career that allowed me to contribute positively to the continued development of society, and what greater way is there than nurturing children.
What goals do you have for your students? A lifetime goal I have for each student is the desire to succeed with the will to persevere, along with a grateful and happy heart.
What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills? Limit the amount of time watching television (especially that which is void of educational material) and playing video games. Children are naturally curious with great imaginations that should be encouraged. They will have more time to read, discover nature, build relationships, figure out how things work; the list is endless.
What is your favorite movie? “Good Will Hunting” with Matt Damon and Robin Williams.
Who is your favorite musician or band? Just give me that old time rock and roll!
What’s something your students might not know about you? I know how to dress a chicken. It’s funny; children think I actually put clothes on a chicken. I grew up on a farm, so we raised chicks every spring/summer, and then dressed them for freezer storage for winter meals.
