Teaching Experience
I began my teaching journey as a first grade teacher, in a mobile unit, when BSLK was still just Big Spring Lake. After one year in first grade, I moved to second grade, and remained there for thirteen years, happily teaching students to love reading, writing, and math.
In 2004, I achieved National Board Certification with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. I was the second educator in Albertville City Schools to achieve this accreditation. This certified me as a highly qualified teacher in the state of Alabama.
In 2008, feeling the need for a change, I moved to fourth grade as a Reading Intervention teacher, where I worked in small groups with students who needed extra support in reading.
During this time I also started a Young Author's Club after school, and spent time in fourth grade classrooms, providing writing enrichment.
In 2011, an opportunity arose to move back into the regular education classroom. I was delighted to move to third grade, to teach my greatest passions: reading and writing. I team-taught with the fabulous Becky Reaves for four years, and with Mrs. Tish Dodd for one year.
Now I will be adding another dimension to my third grade teaching experience as a self-contained teacher. This means I will be teaching all subjects in my classroom. I am excited about being a part of this new venture at SWS!
In 2004, I achieved National Board Certification with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. I was the second educator in Albertville City Schools to achieve this accreditation. This certified me as a highly qualified teacher in the state of Alabama.
In 2008, feeling the need for a change, I moved to fourth grade as a Reading Intervention teacher, where I worked in small groups with students who needed extra support in reading.
During this time I also started a Young Author's Club after school, and spent time in fourth grade classrooms, providing writing enrichment.
In 2011, an opportunity arose to move back into the regular education classroom. I was delighted to move to third grade, to teach my greatest passions: reading and writing. I team-taught with the fabulous Becky Reaves for four years, and with Mrs. Tish Dodd for one year.
Now I will be adding another dimension to my third grade teaching experience as a self-contained teacher. This means I will be teaching all subjects in my classroom. I am excited about being a part of this new venture at SWS!
Bio
I had the privilege of growing up overseas as the daughter of Baptist missionaries. I spent childhood years in India, where I learned to eat with my hands, climbed banyan trees, and developed a healthy fear of snakes. My teenage years were spent in Thailand, a place I still consider home in my heart.
After graduating in the top ten of my class from the International School Bangkok, I returned to my parents' hometown of Albertville, intending to go to college at Samford University. I met a hometown boy, transferred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and married in 1992. Together, Patrick and I have built a life here. Our children are active in church and have been a part of the Albertville Aggie Band.
In 2009 I achieved a life long dream of becoming a published author. I currently have five published novels. Two are contemporary romantic suspense: Second Chance and Third Time Around. Three are historical Christian romance: And Then the Rain, Through the Fog and Into the Sun. The last book in this series, With the Rushing Wind, is scheduled to be published this summer.
I enjoy instilling in my students a love of reading and a passion for writing that I hope stays with them their entire lives.
After graduating in the top ten of my class from the International School Bangkok, I returned to my parents' hometown of Albertville, intending to go to college at Samford University. I met a hometown boy, transferred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and married in 1992. Together, Patrick and I have built a life here. Our children are active in church and have been a part of the Albertville Aggie Band.
In 2009 I achieved a life long dream of becoming a published author. I currently have five published novels. Two are contemporary romantic suspense: Second Chance and Third Time Around. Three are historical Christian romance: And Then the Rain, Through the Fog and Into the Sun. The last book in this series, With the Rushing Wind, is scheduled to be published this summer.
I enjoy instilling in my students a love of reading and a passion for writing that I hope stays with them their entire lives.