Grade/school: School librarian, Carey Ridge Elementary
Number of years teaching: 18
Background/schooling: Westfield High School; bachelor’s in media services K-12, Indiana University, Bloomington; and master’s in education, Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion.
Why did you become a teacher? During high school, I worked at the Westfield Public Library and loved it. The children’s section was my absolute favorite. I loved the idea of working with children and literature.
What goals do you have for your students? My goals are to help encourage students to be life-long learners, skillful researchers, responsible users of information technologies, and enthusiastic readers.
What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills? It is also important to be a role model for your children. Read yourself and read often to your child. Reading is fun! Find activities that involve reading, that you can do together. Some examples are: cooking – (reading a recipe), building something together like a model airplane – (reading the directions), or bird watching – (use a reference book). Reading is a great way to spend time together.
What is your favorite movie? I don’t really have a favorite movie but a couple of my favorite books right now are “The One and Only Ivan” and “Wonder.”
Who is your favorite musician or band? I love listening to Kari Jobe, Chris Tomlin, Third Day and Matt Redman. I enjoy listening to whatever you find on KLOVE!
What’s something your students might not know about you? I love history! When I was in eighth grade, I participated in a program called History Day. I helped write and act out a play on orphans during the Great Depression. (Westfield High School Principal Stacy McGuire participated in History Day with me!) Our group represented the State of Indiana at the national level in Washington, D.C.
