It's hard to believe that 2023-2024 will be my 28th year of teaching!! After receiving my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from UCLA in 1994, I immediately began my teacher's credential program at CSUN. In 1996, I was awarded my clear multiple subject credential, with CLAD emphasis and supplemental credentials in Math and Science. In March of 2008, I earned my Master's Degree in Education, with a specialization in K-12 Studies.
Once I received my teacher's credentials in the Fall of 1996, I began teaching 6th - 8th grade Math, 6th grade Science, as well as sheltered English writing and Academic Decathlon for grades 6-8, at a middle school Math/Science Magnet in LAUSD. In 1999, I transferred to Simi Valley USD to teach elementary school. During my 7 years at Garden Grove Elementary School, I taught 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades, was a member of the Leadership Team, Grade Level Chair, and developed/implemented the school-wide Character Education curriculum. In addition to teaching full time, I was also the District PAR Math Specialist for elementary schools for two years and led workshops for teachers to improve math instruction and student comprehension of concepts. I also taught summer school at Garden Grove and Parkview Elementary Schools for at-risk and ELL students.
In the fall of 2006, I transitioned to the position of 4th-6th grade Itinerant Science Teacher for the district, and taught science at Atherwood, Lincoln, Vista, Mountain View, and Wood Ranch Elementary Schools for three years. When that program was cut in June of 2009, I was placed back into a traditional classroom, and joined the staff at Atherwood, returning to my role as a general education teacher. My previous experience on the campus as a science teacher was wonderful, with such supportive colleagues, administration, and families with which to work, that I was thankful for the placement.
Throughout my last 14 years at Atherwood, I have taught 3rd grade for 2 years, 4th grade for 5 years, 5th grade for 6 years, and a 5/6 combo. For the 2023-2024 school year, I am looking forward to the challenge of teaching a 5th/6th grade combo once again. I am thrilled to get to work with the students to help them become even more independent and critical thinkers, especially given the circumstances we have faced during the last few school years! While at Atherwood, I have been honored to be a Lighthouse Team member, Virtual Peer Tutoring Team coordinator/advisor, Assembly Action Team co-advisor, COM advisor, Co-Lead Teacher, member of the Leadership Team, as well as Grade Level Lead, and Jr. Olympics Coach. I have also been one of the District's Everyday Math Coaches as well as a Classroom Instruction that Works trainer. Additionally, I am a former member of the Math Leadership Network at the Ventura County Office of Education. On March 6, 2020, I was surprised by the PTA when it was announced that I was one of the year's Honorary Service Award recipients. I was shocked and humbled by this honor.
In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my family and my pets, painting, hiking, reading, going to Disneyland (though it has been a few years...), and I love animals of all sorts. I also try to volunteer my time with local groups, concerning environmental issues, wildlife conservation, and responsible pet ownership. In seeking new and exciting ways to further my education while enjoying life's experiences, through educational grants, I have participated in two Earthwatch Institute expeditions (one in 2002 in Barbados and one in 2007 in Monterey, CA), and, more recently, spent time in Huntsville, Alabama at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, participating in and graduating from the Space Academy for Educators (summer 2017) and Advanced Adult Space Academy (fall 2017). In the spring of 2019, I participated in the Camarillo Citizen Police Academy. I always look forward to planning my next big adventure and educational journey...