I've been living on the Eastern Shore of Maryland on and off since I was ten, but I will always feel like a California girl. My dad served in the Navy, and we lived in San Diego before eventually moving to Salisbury, his hometown. I think that certain places call to us like a favorite chair, and we can't help but sink into them and make ourselves comfortable. Living in San Diego was like that - relaxed, roomy, a place to dream.
When we arrived in Salisbury, I attended public school and eventually graduated from Parkside High. Later, I attended the University of Maryland in College Park and earned a B.S. in Journalism. While learning to write and ask tough questions, however, I found out I didn't want to be a reporter for a living. Looking back, I now realize I needed more time to grow tough skin.
I went back to school and earned a Master's degree from George Washington University in elementary education and was hired in Wicomico County as a sixth grade teacher in 1991. I taught sixth grade English for seven years and was delighted to meet and work with many great kids! When sixth grade became part of middle school, I decided to give high school a try. I worked at Parkside for four years teaching English, coaching tennis, and serving as yearbook advisor.
So why did I want to work with new teachers?
I was happy in the classroom but wanted to work on problems that plagued teachers - challenging student behaviors, lack of instructional support, and few opportunities for professional collaboration, etc. I wanted to provide support to teachers so they wouldn't burn out - so I wouldn't burn out. This is my seventeenth year as a new teacher coach, and this job rocks! I get to work alongside so many interesting, talented, and caring professionals, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share, laugh, celebrate, cry, learn, and grow together.
When you want to get off the grid, come visit me at Moonshadow Farm. I live in Quantico with Spencer and our three dogs: Lucky, Jett, and Hope. It is a terrific place to get away, sink in, and be comfortable.
When we arrived in Salisbury, I attended public school and eventually graduated from Parkside High. Later, I attended the University of Maryland in College Park and earned a B.S. in Journalism. While learning to write and ask tough questions, however, I found out I didn't want to be a reporter for a living. Looking back, I now realize I needed more time to grow tough skin.
I went back to school and earned a Master's degree from George Washington University in elementary education and was hired in Wicomico County as a sixth grade teacher in 1991. I taught sixth grade English for seven years and was delighted to meet and work with many great kids! When sixth grade became part of middle school, I decided to give high school a try. I worked at Parkside for four years teaching English, coaching tennis, and serving as yearbook advisor.
So why did I want to work with new teachers?
I was happy in the classroom but wanted to work on problems that plagued teachers - challenging student behaviors, lack of instructional support, and few opportunities for professional collaboration, etc. I wanted to provide support to teachers so they wouldn't burn out - so I wouldn't burn out. This is my seventeenth year as a new teacher coach, and this job rocks! I get to work alongside so many interesting, talented, and caring professionals, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share, laugh, celebrate, cry, learn, and grow together.
When you want to get off the grid, come visit me at Moonshadow Farm. I live in Quantico with Spencer and our three dogs: Lucky, Jett, and Hope. It is a terrific place to get away, sink in, and be comfortable.