Classroom Teacher
Grade 1
Role
As a primary classroom teacher for all subjects, I work hard to stay current on curriculum, standards, and to get to know the interests and strengths of each student in my care. Together, we create a safe, happy, and responsive classroom community where every student is engaged, challenged, feels important, and is supported. In addition to curriculum, it’s important to me to teach and model kindness, respect, empathy, and humor to my students.
Professional Background
“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” – Dorothy Gale
My entry into a classroom was not unlike Dorothy’s memorable landing in Oz. Fortunately, I didn’t take out a wicked witch, but rather, I have been surrounded by and blessed with Glindas since my landing at ATS in 2001, first as a kindergarten assistant, and in 2007 as a first grade teacher. Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for the Glindas who have helped me along the way. I teach for the joy of it. My students make me happy and make me laugh.
- Certificate Candidate, Changing Education Through the Arts (CETA), The John F. Kennedy Center, 2018-2020
- Teacher of the Year, Arlington Traditional School, 2018-2019
- Mentor Teacher, 2017-2018
- National Board Certified Teacher, Generalist/Early Education, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, 2014
- Master of Education. Marymount University, 2007
- Bachelor of Arts, Visual Communications, Trinity College, 1983
Personal Interests
I hail from the great state of Pennsylvania. I’ve remained in the Washington DC metropolitan area since 1983 and have lived in Arlington since 1992. I have two adult children who both attended ATS. I have a passion for animals, own a dog Betty, and a rabbit Rosemary who visits the classroom from time to time as the subject of math and science activities, and to get her exercise – carpeting and 48 small feet are much fun for a bunny! I am a news hound, love running, reading, musical theater, and I am most happy creating ANY kind of artwork.
Literary Connection
Love, love, love the author Mo Willems and everything he does. His books and characters are tender and funny! When a book makes my students AND me laugh OUT LOUD – and my students beg me to read the books again and again, and we laugh OUT LOUD AGAIN – they are special. And so is Mo Willems. Thank you, Mo!
