I have been teaching third grade at Elementary #2 for eleven years. In 2002, I recieved a BA in environmental studies and a BA in Elementary Education from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. While attending college, I worked as an environmental educator and summer camp instructor at The Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, where I led adults and children on guided walks through the wetlands. I really enjoy teaching and helping others understand how the natural world works and why it is important to learn about the environment. Throughout the year we will complete projects that incorporate environmental awareness.
In 2006, I recieved a masters degree from Pepperdine University for Educational Technology. I incorporate technology throughout the year and our class has a Smartboard and access to portable laptops and cameras. My thesis was written about project-based learning in the classroom. I completed action research and found project-based learning to be beneficial to the individual student and the classroom community.
Action Research Portfolio-Project-Based Learning----Pepperdine University
***Pepperdine University- Masters Program Course Work Webpage
My philosophy about education is that every child can learn, but not in the same way or at the same time. I will do whatever I can to help my students learn and reach their goals. In my classroom I encourage students to set goals and work hard to reach them. A favorite quote of mine is Walt Disney's "If you dream it, you can do it".
In addition to focusing on improving my students' academic achievement, I also focus on helping them build good character traits. I value kindness, honesty and empathy, and believe these and other good character traits are extremely valuable as students grow from children to adults. I and my students work hard together to create an environment where everyone's ideas are valued and celebrated.
My classroom door is always open to parents. A child's home is his or her most important classroom, and a parent knows his or her child better than anyone else. I encourage parents to get involved with the classroom and school activities. Students have the best chance of succeeding when parents and teachers work together.
I currently live in Cape May County with my husband and son.
Awards and Accomplishments
Star-W Technology Grant Recipient 2003-2006
Cape Education Fund Grant- Butterfly Garden- 2005
Teacher of the Year- 2006
Masters of Educational Technology from Pepperdine University- 2006
Learning Focused Trainer 2007-2009
Cape Education Fund Grant - Science Matters- 2011
***Pepperdine University- Masters Program Course Work Webpage