aI believe that all students should have an equal opportunity to receive an education. All students learn differently and need different levels of support in order to be successful. Students are more likely to remember information if they are engaged and the material is presented in a variety of ways (i.e. said orally, displayed in a poster or power point presentation). In order for learning to occur, the teacher must be flexible and willing to try new activities and instructional strategies.

I received my education in the public school system. Some subjects were more challenging, but I received the necessary assistance from my teachers and parents for me to succeed. I decided to attend a community college for two years, then transfer to Eureka, which is a small liberal arts college close to my hometown. I was challenged while at Eureka, but enjoyed the small class sizes and the opportunity to put the knowledge and skills I had obtained to practice by participating in one field experience each semester.

I began teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at my church while in high school. This was all volunteer work, but gave me a chance to teach short lessons to small groups of children. While attending Eureka College, I worked as a substitute teacher at a local day care. This was a great start, as it gave me some experience teaching and managing a classroom. After graduating from Eureka in December, I applied to be a substitute teacher in a variety of districts near my hometown. I have subbed several days so far, both as a teacher and a paraprofessional, in a variety of schools and age levels.

In high school I participated in scholastic bowl, speech team, choir, and drama. I was in the Teacher Education Association at Illinois Central College and Eureka College. While at Eureka, I was a member of Campus Crusade for Christ, Circle K (I was secretary and president, each for 1 year), and Delta Zeta Sorority. I enjoyed participating in each of these activities, and each has helped me grow in some way.

I have passed all of the Illinois Teacher Certification Tests, and am a certified Special Education Teacher in Illinois.