My Philosophy on EducationI truly believe that knowledge is power, and throughout the year I will prove it to you. Having knowledge and skills is an asset; it will NEVER work against you. With that in mind, I want my classroom to be an engaging place where you are encouraged and challenged to think and learn beyond your expectations. Anything worth having requires hard work, so don't be surprised that your education requires hard work. As your teacher, I will work my hardest to make the learning we do meaningful and relevant to you and your future.
I also believe that learning doesn't take place in a classroom where you don't feel safe and comfortable, so I will work hard to make my class one that you look forward to coming to and don't want to miss; one that you feel free to express yourself in and one where you are comfortable being yourself. Ultimately, it's my job to prepare you for your future... so I promise to work each and every day to see you reach and EXCEED your potential. Welcome to my class! |
My Background & Education
This is my 28th year as a teacher. I spent my first 21 years teaching middle school, at Adelanto (1995-1998), Cobalt (1998-2004), and Pinon Mesa (2004-2016). In 2016, I finally "graduated" to high school and arrived here at Oak Hills. I couldn't be happier and more at home as a Bulldog.
I was born and raised in Apple Valley, so I have watched the High Desert grow and change over the past 4+ decades. I am the oldest child in my family, with a younger sister and brother. Both of my parents were high school teachers, so I had to do well in school. Although I thought I'd be either a graphic designer, a lawyer or dolphin trainer when I graduated from high school, I later changed my mind and figured out that teaching was my calling. It's a decision I've never regretted. After earning my Associate's Degree from Victor Valley College, I majored in Social Science at San Diego State University, and finished up my Bachelor's Degree at Cal State San Bernardino, then earned my teaching credential from Chapman University. I just completed my Master's Degree in American History this spring through Pace University & the Gilder Lehrman Institute.
I was born and raised in Apple Valley, so I have watched the High Desert grow and change over the past 4+ decades. I am the oldest child in my family, with a younger sister and brother. Both of my parents were high school teachers, so I had to do well in school. Although I thought I'd be either a graphic designer, a lawyer or dolphin trainer when I graduated from high school, I later changed my mind and figured out that teaching was my calling. It's a decision I've never regretted. After earning my Associate's Degree from Victor Valley College, I majored in Social Science at San Diego State University, and finished up my Bachelor's Degree at Cal State San Bernardino, then earned my teaching credential from Chapman University. I just completed my Master's Degree in American History this spring through Pace University & the Gilder Lehrman Institute.
Awards & Recognition
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Family Life & Hobbies
I married my husband, John, the same year I began teaching. After he worked in the automotive repair industry for 20 years, he found his dream job as an automotive tech teacher and works here with me at OHHS. We have two children. Our daughter, Harley, graduated from Mayville State University in chilly North Dakota with her degree in Elementary Education and teaches 5th grade at Baldy Mesa elementary in Phelan. Our son, Heath, graduated last December from Cal Poly Humboldt -- the northernmost college in California -- majoring in Oceanography. He is commissioning as an officer in the US Navy. I love nature, so in my free time I enjoy watching gardening, camping, hiking, boating, and kayaking. I also enjoy painting, sewing, and watching movies. I love to travel whenever I can, and have traveled as far as Canada and Mexico outside the U.S. (I've still got lots left to see). |
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