Introduction

Professional Life:

I am currently in my third year of teaching at Houghton Lake Community Schools.  I am very fortunate to be teaching kindergarten, my dream job.  Everyday I live for this quote with my kinders, “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, “I’m possible!” ~Aubrey Hepburn. 

Throughout my first three years of teaching I have witnessed just how much we, as teachers, impact our students everyday!  I know in my district there are many students that come to school thriving for attention, acceptance, and a chance for success.  It has been my job to create a warm and caring environment where all my students feel safe and are ready to succeed.

I have also been fortunate enough to be involved in multiple committees at my school.  These committees include being on the school improvement team, being the kindergarten grade level chair, being on the achievement team, hosting family nights, and I am a afterschool tutoring teacher.  I enjoy being active and informed at my school. 

Academic Life:

In 2005 I graduated from Holland High School and went on to Central Michigan University to pursue my teaching career.  It was here at Central that I really began to realize how passionate I was about teaching and working to engage young learners.  In May 2010 I graduated with honors from Central Michigan University.  I was the first class to graduate in our football stadium, during a SNOW storm!  What a day it was!  That summer I landed my first teaching job at Houghton Lake Community Schools and just knew I was ready to continue my learning.  Last summer I began my studies here at Michigan State.  I am pursuing a Masters degree in Teaching and Curriculum with a Reading Specialist endorsement.  I am excited to see what new knowledge I gain from this course and can bring back to my current teaching!

Personal Interests:

In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, going to the beach, taking mini vacations, and creating games for my kindergartners.