Hello, and thank you for visiting my professional website and online portfolio. I invite you to browse through some sample work and learn a little bit about me.

Foremost, teaching Social Studies is my perfect career since I get to simultaneously be a purveyor and consumer of humanity and our ever-changing world. My mother is an English teacher, so I grew up in a family who saw the value of education. I appreciate that not all students are as lucky. That cognizance is apparent in my teaching style where I make an effort to connect personally, on some level, with every student. You can always find me standing outside my classroom during passing periods. As a child, in Atlanta, Georgia, I developed a proclivity towards historical literature and the History Channel, often reading for hours on the porch during summer. Consequently, social studies became my favorite subject at school.

After graduating with a B.S. in Secondary Education: History and Government, I received my initial teaching credentials from the state of Kansas. Additionally, I was awarded the federal No Child Left Behind designation of "highly qualified teacher" for history and government for grades 6 through 12. This year, after obtaining my Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, I have enjoyed my own continued education, including certification in Advanced Placement European History and Advanced Placement Government & Politics.

I've also been active in many organizations over the years. I did theater for a number of years, working as technical director and heading crews. I can set-up faculty presentations and teach children presentation technology, from theater lighting and sound, to individual presentations with all the bells and whistles. I enjoyed being a leader and a member of Student Senate at the University of Kansas, as well as in my sorority. I also had the privilege of interning with several well-known political organizations, giving me insight I often share with students. I hope to put those experiences to good use in the classrooms, in programming, and in the extra-curricular duties I lead.