Serving as a classroom teacher for twenty-five years, along with my time as a learner, have proved to be one of the greatest opportunities that I have gained from. My family included four generations of educators. Two from those generations were my father and grandmother. Both helped me develop a "joy for learning," while they displayed a "joy for teaching." Though I struggled academically in the early grades, they modeled a 'desire to try," which resulted in the "momentum" that helped me intentionally reach learning goals. My mother and grandmother, who were not teachers, fostered my character learning experience. Though my grandmother did not attend school past the third grade, she helped me make the wise decision to follow directions. Mother taught me how trusting relationships within the family and community were vital in learning to live and relate "outside the classroom."I value the learner experience, yet the time came when I accepted the role as a "classroom teacher." Administrators, educators and parents helped me become aware of great teaching principles, which Ilearned to apply. Those acquired skills helped me enhance the academic and character opportunities for each student. In 1998, I was chosen "Teacher of the Year," by my colleagues. The most significant goal I reached as a teacher, is that which I saw in teachers before me- the reward of seeing a child attempt, practice and achieve a desired goal. "Successful learning" is thesuccess of teaching.

I enjoy music, sports such as swimming and spending time with my family.