My Beliefs About Teaching

• I believe that smart isn't something you are, it's something you get.
  
• I believe everyone can learn.
  
• I believe that mistakes can serve as great lessons.
  
• I believe in building a class where kids support one another.
  
• I believe I must look at my student as a total child, not only as an academic being.
  
• I believe the teacher is a role model and provides by example.
  
• I believe that learning starts with wondering.
  
• I believe what Confucius said, "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

• 1998 Master of Science in Education, University of Rochester
• 1993 Bachelor of Science in Education, SUNY College at Fredonia
• 1988 Regents Diploma, Brockport Central Schools

• National Board Certified Teacher (Middle Childhood Generalist)
• Nationally, more than 112,000 teachers have achieved National Board Certification representing 3 percent of the national teaching population.
• 1 of 210 in NYS
• 1 of 15 in the Rochester area
• NYS K-6 Elementary Education Teaching Certificate
• NYS 6-12 Social Studies Teaching Certificate

• 2014-Grade 5 Classroom Teacher at Crane Elementary RHSCD
• 2008-2014 Grade 3-4 Looping Classroom Teacher at Crane Elementary RHSCD
• 2005-2008 Math, Science & Technology Teacher on Special Assignment at Crane Elementary
• 2004-2005 Enrichment and Technology Teacher on Special Assignment at Crane Elementary
• 2001-2004 Grade 5 Classroom Teacher at Sherman Elementary RHSCD
• 1994-2001 Grade 4 Classroom Teacher at Cobbles Elementary Penfield Central Schools
• 1993-1994 Substitute Teacher at Brockport Central Schools
  
• 1993 International Teaching Experience Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
  

My Cultural History

• My grandfather came to the USA on a boat with his mother from Scotland and he grew up to be a Phys Ed teacher.  They both came through Ellis Island in NYC.  I feel very connected to him even though he is no longer alive.  I am proud of them for being so brave to make that big trip from Scotland.  My grandpa is a big reason why I am a teacher.
• My father died when I was pretty young and my mother raised me.  We didn't have a lot of money but we had each other.  I come from a single parent household, I know how tough it can be and am thankful for all that my mother did for me (and still does!).  
• I grew up in Brockport next to a big family with a bunch of kids.  I was a minority as all of my friends were black.  Their grandma was like my grandma and helped raise me.  I can still hear her hollering at me to stop playing kick ball in the street because she was worried I was going to get hit by a car.  Their house always had music on and that's where first heard the band Earth, Wind and Fire.  It had a huge influence on me.  I remember when my friends tried to teach me to dance like the Jackson 5. 
• I love the blues and play in a blues band.  It is music that originated from the African American culture and something that has become a part of my culture today. 
• I played soccer in High School and still play today...it is the beautiful game.  I meet all kinds of people playing soccer... from Kenya to Ireland.  I always watch the World Cup every 4 years.