It is a great privilege to be a part of the Renaissance Gifted and Music Academy. I am excited for each year that promises to bring fun challenges and learning opportunities for both my students and myself! I have been with the Renaissance program since its inception. I started in third/fourth multi age, then taught third grade for two years, and have been in fourth grade since then.
Prior to starting with the Renaissance academy, I worked for seventeen years at Desert Sage. During that time I taught second, third, and fourth. Some of those years were spent as a single grade teacher while others were as a multi-age teacher. I enjoyed all of them.
I received my undergrad degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. After teaching for a few years, I went back to school to earn my Masters Degree from NAU. I have endorsements in Structured English Immersion, Early Childhood Education, and Gifted Education.
When I am not in the classroom teaching, I spend my time in a variety of ways. My husband Chris and I enjoy watching old movies together, playing games and eating out with family and friends, spending a few days each year at the beach, and attending and volunteering at our church. I also enjoy working in my yard and doing a bit of gardening. We also have a little miniature schnauzer, Archie, who keeps us entertained! During the summer months I usually make a trek to my home town in Idaho, where I was born and raised, and spend time relaxing with my family. We enjoy camping, hiking, biking, and taking day trips throughout the state.
Teaching children is an unbelievable pleasure. What a great career teaching is. It allows me to walk into a classroom full of children every day. I have a front row seat to watch their growth, be amazed at their depth of thinking, and join in with their enthusiasm for learning. I am blessed with the honor. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives.
