I have already had the pleasure of meeting some of you, but allow me to introduce myself to those of you I have not met. I'm very fortunate because I get to spend every day doing what I love... teaching! I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree in Literacy, both from Missouri State University. I have been in education for eighteen years, including twelve years as a kindergarten teacher and six years as an elementary instructional coach. I have also taught education courses at the college level. I have had extensive training in Reading Recovery, Comprehensive Literacy, Cooperative Learning, Cognitive Coaching, and more. I was honored to be selected as Springfield Public Schools Teacher of the Year and to be a finalist for Missouri Teacher of the Year. While I loved being an instructional coach, I desperately missed working closely with students and their families, which is why I returned to the classroom five years ago. I am so glad to be back in the classroom doing what I love.
My husband, Bob, and I were high school sweethearts and we are both Greenwood Alumni. We have a daughter who is a sixth grader at Greenwood. I love being part of the Greenwood community as both a faculty member and a parent. As a family, we love traveling, spending time at the pool and lake, all things Disney, and playing with our dog, Birdie. We are also self-proclaimed foodies and love trying new foods. When I am not at school or driving our daughter to various activities, I love reading, cooking, and baking.
I believe that relationships are at the heart of everything! Getting to know each child as an individual, building trust with children and their families, and creating a strong sense of community within the classroom are the things that matter most. I am passionate about making school fun, rigorous, and engaging for students. A true love of learning is one of the best gifts we can give children, and I am dedicated to instilling that love of learning in all students. I will strive to get to get to know your child as much as possible so I can help him or her thrive in school. Kindergarten is a critical year in a child’s life, not only because it helps build the foundation for social and academic success, but also because it sets the tone for your child’s feelings and attitudes about school. This is a huge responsibility, and it is not one that I take lightly.
See information below about a kindergarten parent meeting this spring! We will go over things you can do to help your child prepare for kindergarten over the summer, as well as information about classroom and school routines. Also, be watching for information in July about Meet the Teacher and other back-to-school dates. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns! I look forward to getting to know you and your family while providing the best educational experience possible for your child! Enjoy this special time with your child… school will be starting before we know it!
