Experience Summary
Ever since I could set up my dolls and play school with them, I have wanted to become a teacher. I graduated from Loras College, a private liberal arts school in Dubuque, Iowa, with a degree in Elementary Education. After graduating, I taught at St. Mary's in East Dubuque, Illinois for six years. My principal nominated me in 2004 for the Rotary Excellence in Teaching Award for the State of Illinois. Throughout my college experience and years at St. Mary's, I was also a lead teacher/tutor at Prodigy Child Development for their after-school and summer programs. When teaching 5th/6th grade at St. Mary's, I also taught 7th/8th grade English. For the past two years, I have been substituting full-time K-12.
Teaching Style
I am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking. At the beginning of each school year, my goals and standards are clearly set and all students know what is expected of them. Regardless of past reports that may indicate a child's personlized behavior program or low academic achievement, I believe that each and every student can succeed when given positive reinforcement and review of basic fundamental skills. Another important teaching tool I have used with the younger students is demonstrating procedures and transitions, so that time is not taken away from learning. I am creative in incorporating all learning styles into my planning.