Learning happens when students are engaged. The world is full of interesting topics, and when students have freedom to choose a topic, it can become the “hook” onto which skills can be practiced. In the English classroom, this can be applied to novel selection, writing topics, method of presentation, vocabulary acquisition, and other typical “language arts” standards. I feel I am successful when students forget they are “doing” school and become immersed in learning for its own sake.

In addition, I have a masters of library science from the University of North Texas (2009). I am a K-12 certified librarian in the state of Colorado.

I have been teaching for 23 years. Three of those years were spent working as a K-12 librarian and the remaining 20 were split between middle and high school English. I have taught all grades 6-12, including AP Language & Composition. I have spent my entire career, including student teaching, in international schools all over the world. All of these schools followed an American-style curriculum and conducted instruction in English, and all were accredited by US accrediting bodies such as Middle States or the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.

I have been the advisor for the school newspaper at various schools over the years. I have volunteered as a judge for the National Forensics League. I have served as the National Junior Honor Society advisor in two different schools.