Hello and Welcome! 

  This 2007-2008 school year marks the beginning of my 15th year teaching at Carl Sandburg. I  feel so fortunate  to be teaching First Grade. I  love our First Grade curriculum which provides many opportunities for exploration and integration within many of our content areas. 

Originally, I am from northern Illinois, but my educational background includes a B.S. in Education from Drake University in DesMoines, Iowa and a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in literacy from Idaho State University.  While living in Idaho, I taught second and third grades for an additional nine years. 

 I truly believe First Grade is such a special time in a child's life.  There is such  a tremendous amount of  physical, academic, social and emotional growth which occur from August through May. I am continuously amazed by the children's creativity, energy, enthusiasm and intellect  which they bring each day as they happily engage and explore classroom activities.  To help foster such essential  growth, each child deserves to be respected, listened to, challenged, supported, and actively engaged in his/her learning, within a positive nurturing environment. We learn to make good choices and care about each other as a community where we feel safe and appreciated.   By the end of the year, it is so gratifying to see responsible, independent, caring and confident children who are so proud of their accomplishments and realize they are prepared to continue their learning to an even higher level!

I am excited to begin another year! As we begin the 2007-08 school year, I look forward to learning about and  working together with you and your child.