"You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something wonderful has been lost." -Martha Graham
It is a challenging thing to be yourself ... just ask any middle schooler who has tried. I think it was this very complication that made me want to be a middle school educator; my passion for literature and composition solidified my decision. This year it will be my honor and pleasure to help foster a sense of integrity and autonomy in my classroom. I will integrate numerous language and literature practices including: journaling, reflection, research, debate, Socratic Seminars, interpretive readings and varied exposure to numerous forms of writing. Adhering to the North Carolina Core State Standards, 21st Century Skills, and CHCCS District Guidelines, I will prepare my students for both classroom and state requirements and assessments. That being said, it is my utmost priority to help instill a sense of uniqueness and value to each of my students. Through a balance of character-building and focused curriculum, I look forward to your student's success this year in Language Arts.
Educationally speaking, I have a Bachelors in Education and a Masters in Education and Professional Development. My career has been focused on middle school for nearly fifteen years, and I am always continuing my study of this exceptional group of young people. From taking further education courses in Middle School Psychology, and learning best practice teaching strategies, to forming local community relationships and becoming an Educational Ambassador to museums, I try to help my students see that learning is a lifelong endeavor meant to be pursued. Education is my passion both personally and professionally, and I will continue to strive to stay current on most effective middle school practices.
Personally speaking, my family and I just moved to Chapel Hill from the Chicago area a year ago and this is my second year at Culbreth. I was raised and attended university in Wisconsin, where I met my husband. We have two kids (one son and one daughter) who will attend school in the district as well. Outside of teaching, I am a writer. I write for a magazine called Bella Grace and my second children's book is mid-publication. I also enjoy reading voraciously and being outdoors!