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

Muskegon Public Schools
Muskegon, Michigan
August 2019 -  present

6th-8th Grade Language Arts Teacher (effective 2020-2021 school year)

ESL Teacher K-8 (2019-2020 school year)

• ​WIDA testing and screening
• Small group support for elementary students to accommodate their language acquisition needs
• Push-in support for elementary students/staff to help with SIOP strategies and supports in the classroom
• Lead a dedicated "ESL" class for identified 6-8th graders with supports in all areas of literacy through journal writing, book clubs, speaking projects, etc.

Grand Rapids Public Schools
Grand Rapids, Michigan
November 2007 - May 2019

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