A little bit about me.

 

I currently work as a Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator for English Language Arts and Social Studies, grades 6-12, in Royse City ISD, and have been teaching in grades 7-12 since 2000. Prior to that, I was a Licensed Masters Social Worker for child protective services, state level parolee reintegration, and county hospital services. Because of this background, my instruction and classroom environment typically have a focus on reaching disenfranchised students, STEaM and project-based learning initiatives, disciplinary literacy engagement, and the integration of as much maker-based and inquiry-centered learning as possible. My goal is facilitating a space for learners to ask and develop more questions, not just being a provider of answers.

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If we are the lamplighters, then it is my job to

provide the spark, the breathing room, and fuel

to expand the flames that are ignited within

and beyond the classroom.

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A teacher consultant with National Writing Project's local site North Star of Texas Writing Project since 2009, I also currently work as a professional development provider for NWP and previously with Educate Texas. I continue to work as a fellow in NWP's/NEXMAP's Hacking the Notebook initiative, which is an integration of flat circuitry, literacy, and production-/design-centered learning.  I have taught at STEM, New Tech, and early college high schools for at least 7 of my 17 years in the classroom.

 

I also have been a FIRST Robotics Teacher Mentor and Coach since 2009, and just recently served as the lead Mentor for FRC Team #2805, Ghost in the Machine. I have in the past also served as one of the coordinating liaisons for both UIL FIRST Robotics and district-wide programs like Waxahachie Robotics. #omgrobots I love FIRST robotics!

 

I am available to provide professional development for teachers or intervention for students in a variety of areas: Hacking the Notebook/Open Data-Open Minds work with teachers or students, STAAR reading and writing (Texas standardized testing) success, reading/writing workshop and disciplinary literacy integration, engaging reluctant writers and learners, curriculum writing and development, and project-based learning integration/project development.  I am also available for copy editing and freelance creative or technical writing as needed.