EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
I believe, with an effective teacher, every child has the potential to learn. After having taught Pre-School through College Level students, it has become extremely apparent to me that every student has their own means, style, and particular way of learning.
Good teachers recognize this and learn to creatively teach to each student’s preferred mode of learning. Learning must be interesting and enjoyable for students to have a desire to learn. I, also, believe that by providing and teaching critical thinking skills, it ultimately creates independent, life-long lovers of learning.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
I consider myself a life-long learner. As an Honor’s Graduate, I received my Bachelor’s of Education from the University of Southern MS, in Elementary Education (K-8). I began Graduate School immediately after receiving my Bachelor’s Degree. I graduated with a Master’s of Education in 2000 with a 4.0 Grade Point Average.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
I began my teaching career as a Preschool Classroom and Music Teacher. As a volunteer at my church, I served as Children’s Director, Children’s Music Director, and Assistant Children’s Handbell Director.
I then began teaching for five years in Middle School (6th, 7th, 8th Grade Title I-Reading, Language Arts, and Math; 6th Grade Language Arts) and one year as a Classroom Music Teacher (K-5). In 2004, I began teaching as an Adjunct College Reading and Study Skills Instructor at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
After Hurricane Katrina, I moved to Alabama, and I began teaching private Piano, as an Adjunct, at the Alabama School for Math and Science. I, then, began teaching in the College of Education (Classroom Management, Children’s Literature, Early Childhood Education, Supervising Student Teachers in their Fieldwork) at the University of South Alabama. Soon after, I began teaching as a full-time Faculty Reading and Study Skills Instructor at the University of South Alabama. After leaving the University of South Alabama in December of 2010, I returned to teaching Reading (online) and Study Skills (traditional and online), as an Adjunct, at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, which I continue to teach today.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I am a member of First United Methodist Church Handbell Choir and Handbell Ensemble. As a guest consultant, I, also, attend Literacy Committee meetings. Some of my favorite hobbies include playing bridge, gardening, reading, and dancing.
