Education

Certifications
Concordia University-Portland
Doctor of Education (Teacher Leadership)
April 28, 2018

Grand Valley State University
Master's Degree - TESOL
May 1, 2010

Grand Valley State University
Bachelor's Degree - Language Arts and Elementary Education
April 2006

Experience
National Board Certification
Early-Middle Childhood Literacy: Reading-Language Arts (age 3-12)
Expires November 2023

K-12 English as a Second Language
K-8 Self-Contained
K-5 All Subjects
6-8 Language Arts
Expires June 30, 2024

Grand Rapids Public Schools
Grand Rapids, Michigan
November 2007 - present

Classroom Teacher (Grades 2-5)
  • Grade Level Lead Teacher
  • M-Step Building Coordinator
  • Membership on the Positive Behavior Support & Instructional Leadership Teams
  • Teacher Leadership Cohort Member
  • Effective use of data to drive instructional decisions and group students for academic success
  • Create and foster a safe and caring educational environment for all students to reach their personal potential
  • Continual growth through workshops, professional reading and a rapidly expanding PLN to be a better teacher and learner for students
  • Passion areas include:
    • fostering a growth mindset in students to meet them where they are and help them grow
    • integrating technology to enhance teaching and learning
    • Utilizing Restorative Practices and Community Circles in the Classroom