This is my third year here at Timnath teaching 5th grade. I am very familiar with Timnath and all of its great traditions because this was also my elementary school from third grade to sixth grade many years ago. I am a Fort Collins native and enjoy this town very much. During my time outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and being active outdoors. I love to hike, bike and just spend time in the sun. However, teaching is my passion, I think every child deserves an education and I make it my goal that every child receives an equal education in my classroom.
I am a graduate from the University of Northern Colorado with a major in Elementary Education and an emphasis in Visual Arts. I did my student teaching in first grade which allowed me to get more experience with the reading process and build a foundation for my teaching. I graduated from UNC in December, 2013. I intend on starting a masters program within the next year or two.
My students are what make my job so enjoyable. I enjoy teaching because of the "ah-ha" moment when a student catches on to a concept you are trying to teach. I always wanted to find a job where I woke up excited to go to work, and teaching is that job for me. I love teaching how to love learning and helping my students achieve their goals.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
The BFG Roald Dahl
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family. My family lives very close which makes it easy to see everyone. I also enjoy making jewelry, hiking, biking, and spending time with my puppy. He is quite the handful!
Having the unique experience of getting to know Timnath both as a student and as a teacher has just reinforced what I love about this school. First and foremost, I love all of the traditions of Timnath such as the Thanksgiving luncheon, Halloween parade, holiday parties and distributing cubbies to those who demonstrate the CUBS characteristics. My absolute favorite tradition is the Halloween parade down Main Street. I remember as a student this was very exciting and I am just as excited as a teacher. Another thing I love about this school is the community. Everyone in the Timnath community is very supportive and friendly.
"Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it." Augustine
"A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination and instill a love of learning." Brad Henry
1st grade - student teaching - Bennett Elementary
4th grade - long term substitute - Bennett Elementary
5th grade - Timnath Elementary
In my classroom we cultivate a community based on trust and respect. I feel my role as a teacher is to facilitate not lead. I want my students to take charge of their learning because that creates a sense of ownership. We use inquiry based learning whenever possible. It is important that students find the desire to want to discover and learn even when the teacher is gone. We have fun in my classroom by joking and making school exciting!
