Certification & Education

I graduated from TCU in 2002 with a degree in Deaf Education.

Since graduation, I have become certified in additional areas.
Please take a moment to view my current certifications.

Teaching Experience
Currently, I am teaching Deaf Education at Weatherford High School. This
is my tenth year to teach in public education. My teaching career has
blessed me with the opportunities to teach in both the special education
classroom and the general education classroom. Additionally, I have a
background in ESL. Please take a moment to view my current schedule
and read about my philosophy of education.

Communication With Teachers & Parents

Communication is an essential part of a successful educational
environment. Please take a moment to view a few examples of my
communication with teachers and parents.

Tell me and I forget.

Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin

Assessment
* Daily, weekly, & quarterly assessment samples
* Running records
* Rubrics
* Student samples
As a child, I lived in Austin, Texas. My mother was an educator and fostered a love for
learning in me as a young girl. Both of my parents worked at the Texas Education
Agency and instilled the belief in me that education was extremely important.
Throughout high school and into my early college years at Austin Community College, I
was able to volunteer in many classrooms.
I moved to Fort Worth in 1998 to enroll in TCU and major in Deaf Education. My
elementary student teaching placement was at Deer Creek Elementary in Crowley. My
secondary student teaching assignment was at Leonard Middle School in Fort Worth. I
also had the opportunity to substitute in both the Crowley and Fort Worth school
districts.
In May of 2002, I graduated from TCU with a Bachelor of Science with emphasis
on Deaf Education. My teaching career began in 2002 in Weatherford. I had the
opportunity to teach summer school prior to the beginning of the school year. I taught
Deaf Education at Crockett Elementary during the 2002-2003 school year. The Deaf
Education program moved to Bill Wright Elementary during the 2003-2004 school
year.
While teaching in Weatherford, myself and 2 other Deaf Education teachers
proposed and received an education grant (through the Education Foundation) to
promote literacy both in the classroom and in the home. It is my hope that this program
("Ready, Set, Read") is still being implemented today in the WISD Deaf Ed elementary
program. I look forward to fostering and promoting a love for literacy to all of my future
students.
After completing 2 years of service in WISD, I had a desire to be in the general
education classroom. I had the opportunity to teach 3rd grade general education in
Everman ISD (2004-2005.) Teaching in the general education classroom provided me
with many valuable opportunities, new skills and techniques. I was able to apply this
new knowledge back into the deaf education classroom while I taught in Arlington's
Deaf Education program. I taught in Arlington for 2 years (2005-2006 & 2007-2008.)
I decided to take three years off to stay home with my young family. During my
time off, I worked as a preschool teacher at the Early Learning Center in Fort Worth.
When I returned to full time teaching, I worked as a Deaf Education teacher at Hall
Middle School. As my students moved to the Ninth Grade Center, I followed them to be
their teacher there as well. I had the opportunity to teach them again as I moved to
Weatherford High School. I have been at Weatherford High School for the past three
years. While at Weatherford High School, I have been able to assist in the
implementation of a work program for our students with special needs.
My various teaching assignments and opportunities to teach a variety of levels
and subjects in multiple districts have been an invaluable tool in my career. Although
my time as a deaf education teacher has been a unique opportunity that I will always
treasure, it is my desire to begin a new journey in WISD. I would very much enjoy the
opportunity to teach in a general education classroom position that would allow for me
to apply my knowledge and background of both Special Education and ESL.
 I cannot imagine working in any other district. My family has relocated to Weatherford
so that our children are able to have outstanding educational opportunities in WISD.

Philosophy of Education
Teaching is an occupation that is held to a high standard. As an educator, I am
blessed with the opportunity to make a difference in many young lives. I constantly
strive to find new teaching strategies and ideas to better assist students in the
learning process. Through my guidance and support, students should be afforded
the opportunity to learn and discover, creating the foundation for a lifelong love of
learning. Students need praise and affirmation throughout the learning process.
They will repeatedly perform at higher levels when they are not afraid to try.

Classroom management is one of the first things that needs to be established to

have a successful learning environment. I believe that positive reinforcement is
vital for all students. They need the opportunity to be caught being good.
Additionally, students need to know what is expected of them. Consistency, is one
of the key components to successful classroom management. It is important to
collaborate with other teachers and campus administrators to establish and
implement consistent classroom management practices.

Maintaining ongoing and open communication with students parents is essential.

Parents need to know that I care about their child. Often. Parents only hear from
teachers when a negative incident occurs or when an issue needs to be addressed.
I strive to communicate positive happenings as well. My students parents are
encouraged to schedule teacher conferences, write notes, e-mail. Or set up
conference calls to communicate with me. Parents need to know that by working
together, we can ensure that their child has a positive and successful learning
experience.

Students should be afforded the opportunity to be successful in their least

restrictive environment. It is my belief that each classroom should be welcoming to
all students regardless of special needs, socioeconomic status, or language barriers.
Each student has different strengths to offer and they should be able to be involved
and instructed in an inclusive setting where a collaborative and cooperative learning
environment can have a positive outcome for children of all abilities.
The use of technology in the classroom can have a positive impact on student
achievement in all major subject areas from preschool through college. Technology
is constantly changing , and with the changes come new opportunities. It is
essential for student to leant how to use and access technology that can be made
readily available to them.

As an educator, it is my responsibility to prepare each student to be successful

member of our community. They should be provided with nothing less than the
best. My experiences in both general education and special education classrooms
have given me insight and skills to be a good team player who understands the
importance of everyone working together for the success of each student.