BYNG

• ​I earned a Masters in Education from the Phoenix branch of Northern Arizona University in Spring of 1997.
• I finished my Bachelors of Elementary Education and Special Education in Flagstaff from Northern Arizona University in the Fall of 1992.
• I graduated from Paradise Valley High School in Phoenix, Arizona with the class of 1989.

I have the following Oklahoma Teaching Certifications:

• Intermediate Mathematics (HS Credit) – grades 6-12
• Math – (7-8 HS Credit) – grades 5-8
• Math – (not for HS Credit) – grades 5-8
• Mathematics – grades 1-6
• Elementary Education – grades 1-8
• English – grades 1-8
• Science – grades 1-8
• Social Studies – grades 1-8
• Mild-Moderate Disabilities – grades PK-12
• Early Childhood Education – grades PK-3

Professional Development:

• Technology, Science and Math workshops, classes and conferences: Google Suite; Gear Up Research; Maker Spaces; Robotics; Model Schools; Smart board; ipad and various app training; Forensics, Environmental Science summer institutes; Ag in Classroom; Discrete Mathematics, Number Sense, Geometry, Problem Solving, Algebra, Data Analysis math summer institutes; NCTM annual and regional.
• Reading and Language workshops, classes and conferences:  Schaffer, Wilda Storm, 6 traits, four square, Rubrics, Words their Way, and other various writing workshops; reading and phonetic language program, phonetic programs, fluency programs, struggling readers, mentor texts for teaching.
• Classroom techniques, management, and support: teach like a pirate; model schools; special education development, laws, paperwork, behavior management; cooperation training, Kagan; 21 keys; differentiated instruction; diversity training; intervention; 

This is my third year here at Byng Junior High and I am so excited to continue to work on this amazing campus with such a great group of professionals.  I am currently teaching seventh grade math including a seventh grade Pre-Algebra class.  My classes are focused building the necessary math skills to be successful in life and career.  My goal is to help students recognize their personal learning strengths and begin to discover their potential for school and life in general.  I am here to challenge my students to think mathematically and problem solve so that they will be prepared for future math classes as well as life situations.

I am starting my 28^th year of teaching and have been a general education teacher for 11 years and a special education teacher for 17 of those years.  

Last year, I taught 7^th grade math and 7^th grade Pre-Algebra here at Byng Junior High.  I previously taught in the 7-9 grade in the special educational math lab.  Prior to BJH, I taught at the Homer Elementary of Byng Schools nine year in the special education mild lab in grades 3-5.  Before that, I was a third grade teacher at Vanoss when we first moved to Ada.  

Earlier to that I taught thirteen and half years in the Paradise Valley School District in Phoenix, Arizona: 7 years teaching Math Rotation in 6^th grade at Arrowhead Elementary;  1 year teaching a self-contained 5^th grade class at Arrowhead Elementary;  5 years teaching in the mild lab at the high school level in the subjects of math, english, and social studies at grades 9-12 at Paradise Valley High School;  1 year in the mild lab at an elementary school for reading, math, and language at Desert Springs Elementary

Although I have numerous hobbies there are a few that stand out as my favorites.

• Sewing is one of my favorite things to do.  I enjoy creating quilts and other items that incorporate a variety of embroidery, fabrics, textures and overall design.  
• Cooking is another thing I enjoy doing.  I tend to create recipes as I go depending on what ingredients I have in the house.  I get inspiration from food cooking shows and recipes but I rarely follow them exactly.
• I love games and puzzles.  They can be either traditional board, jigsaw or electronic versions. I enjoy the strategy, the challenge, and relationships developed when playing with family and friends.
• Reading is something I love to do whether in preparing for becoming a better teacher or engaging in a relaxing book just for fun.
• Family time is something that I value and is important, no matter what we are doing.  We enjoy hiking, exploring, movies, games, and just hanging out together.