My true passions are teaching, my family, and creating.
I was  born
and raised in McLeansboro, IL. After student teaching in First
Grade here at Hawthorn School, and graduating from Eastern
Illinois University in Charleston, I was hired to teach Second
Grade 33
years ago. I have a master's degree in Instructional
Technology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and
enjoy sharing my love of technology with my class. I was
nominated and selected for inclusion in the Who's Who Among
American Teachers in 2000 and 2005 by former
students. There is no greater reward for a teacher than to
be valued by former students.
Teaching has always been in my blood. My father is a
teacher and administrator. From a very young age, I wanted to be a
teacher. Once a close friend and colleague asked me, "What do you like
best about teaching?" I replied, "The excitement and satisfaction I feel
when I, learn something new from my students. When I see the light of
learning shine in their young eyes“
As a teacher, you have a wonderful opportunity to share
your expertise, and at times, even your own personal perspective. What
makes it significant is when your students embrace that knowledge and make
it their own by applying it towards a creative endeavor, which results in
something unique and innovative. It's at that magical moment when the
student becomes the teacher and by doing so gives back a part of
themselves. To me, that's what teaching truly is: giving something back.
When I am not teaching my
passions are spending time with my family and creating... anything. My
husband, Jim and I have been married for 15 years. I have
three wonderful step-sons, James, Donny, and Kevin. We are huge supporters
of Salem Wildcat Athletics. If you
see me at a sporting event, most likely I will be knitting.
In the summer I enjoy
crafting, sewing, and reading. Our family spends time picnicking,
boating and fishing. The fall is the time to go driftwood hunting
and paint Santas. My parents and I had a craft business for 13 years
called "Creek Bank Santas." I still enjoy finding driftwood and painting
Santas. During the winter my passion turns to fabric. I enjoy quilting and
machine embroidery. My grandmother was a quilt maker, my mother a
seamstress and they passed their love of fabric to me. I am known as the
"flower lady" in the Spring because I am busy making bouquets and
boutonnieres for Prom. Always, my laptop is never far away and gets
a work out surfing the Internet searching for creative ideas to share with
the class, graphics for my website, or a new craft project.
A person is happiest when they
find passion. I have passion for teaching, my family, and creating...
anything.
|