Welcome to Seventh and Eighth Grade Language Arts!   I have been teaching for 25 years, and reading is one of my favorite subjects to teach.  I am excited about working with my students and find it so rewarding to watch them grow at reading and writing. 

My Defining Moment in Education

I have always wanted to be a teacher.  I can remember many times playing "school" with my dolls and younger siblings.  In college, I volunteered in several elementary schools, and this exposure to helping students learn motivated me to pursue a career in education.  Although I did my student teaching in a first grade classroom overseas in Great Britain, I found my niche much later in the middle grades.

Core Educational Beliefs

I wholeheartedly believe that every child can learn.   It is my job to encourage all of my students to be active in their educational experience and challenge them to reach their full potential.  In both seventh and eighth grades, organizational skills are the key to academic success.  I focus on these skills every day with my students..

Prior Experience

I began my career teaching 4th and 5th grade for nine years in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where I also taught for one year as a gifted resource teacher.  During that time, I earned my Masters Degree in Urban Education, Curriculum, and Supervision from Norfolk State University.  I took nine years off to be a stay-at-home mom and returned to the field in 2008.  Since then, I have worked as both a full-time and substitute teacher.  I have taught sixth, seventh, and eighth grade at several different schools, including Wilson, La Cima, and Pusch Ridge Christian Academy.  This will be my thirteenth year teaching full time at Wilson, and I absolutely love working here! 

I love to read, shop, exercise, travel, and spend time with my two daughters, Hailey, age 24, and Natalie, age 21.  Hailey is a graduate of  Arizona State University and works for the House of Representatives in Washington, DC.  Natalie graduated from high school in 2020, and is currently in college while working for a local bank here in Tucson.  Just like most parents, I am proud, happy, and excited (also a little sad) to have adult children.  

Why Amphi?

Both of my daughters attended Copper Creek, Wilson, and Ironwood, and I'm extremely proud of how successful they are as adults.  My best friends also work with me here at Wilson, which makes my teaching experience enjoyable and fullfilling.  Go Amphi!