Some of my earliest childhood memories include playing school with my sister who is a year older than me. She would bring home her school papers, erase her answers, and have me fill in my answers. I would play the role of the student while she played the role of the teacher. This was a lot of fun for us. She would then correct my work and give me a grade. I believe that by playing school before I entered formal schooling, I gained a positive image of what school would be like.
I first thought seriously about being a teacher when I was a junior in high school. I've always had a great love of learning. I enjoyed school, and as part of a service requirement for being a member of the National Honor Society I chose to tutor a sophomore student in Geometry. She was really struggling, and it felt really good to me to help her understand the mathematics better. I hoped that in my future I could be a wife and mother. Time spent with my future family was important to me. A teaching career would allow me to have a good profession while also allowing time with my family.
I graduated as the valedictorian of my high school class in 1986 from North Country Union High School in Newport, Vermont. In the fall of that year I entered the University of Vermont to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. I decided on my double major of Mathematics and Chemistry in my freshman year since those were my favorite subjects when I attended high school. During my time in college I became involved in the Exploring Education Program. Through the program I got the opportunity to tutor at Edmunds Middle School in Burlington, Vermont. I also got the opportunity to do a lot of observation and a little teaching at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg, Vermont. Tutoring a student in calculus, along with helping my classmates, also reinforced my decision to become a teacher. Through these experiences I knew that I wanted to teach at the high school level.
I started student teaching in the fall of 1989 at Essex Junction Educational Center in Essex Junction, Vermont. I taught high school chemistry, geometry, and basic algebra. I was fortunate to have three mentors. I feel the most important part of my student teaching was the fact that I had to learn how to teach students who had a wide range of ability level.
Upon graduation from the University of Vermont in 1990 (magna cum laude) I got a position teaching chemistry, biology, and mathematics at Danville High School in Danville, Vermont. After completing one year of teaching at Danville High School, my personal life lead me to Wisconsin where I got a job teaching mathematics in an eight period day at Portage High School in Portage, Wisconsin. I have been teaching in Portage since the fall of 1991. I am still currently teaching in Portage. I taught in an 8-period day schedule from 1991 to 1997 at the Frederick Jackson Turner High School building. For fifteen years at Portage High School I taught in a four-block schedule (Intensive and A/B), and for the past few years I have been teaching six 43-minute classes. I have taught the courses titled Achievement Math, Vocational Math, Math Prep 2, Basic Algebra, Geometry, Algebra Two, Probability and Statistics, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Advanced Placement Calculus, and College Test Prep (formerly known as ACT Math Prep). I am currently teaching Pre-Calculus, Math (College) Test Prep, and Elementary Algebra which in a dual-credit class offered through Madison College (MATC). Again this year, I will be using College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) materials and course work to teach Geometry and Pre-Calculus. I am excited about using MyOpenMath to teach Elementary Algebra again this year.
My second year at Portage High School I became the assistant cross-country running coach. I coached for four years, and hope someday to return to coaching. I've also been involved in curriculum writing teams, the High School Leadership Team, and as a class advisor. From 2005 to 2008, I monitored the Technology Center and tutored students in math after school. I have also mentored new teachers to help them navigate teaching in a new school district and giving them helpful suggestions for improvement.
Through the years I have taken several courses including Differential Equations, Teaching in the Block Schedule, Applied Mathematical Analysis, The Study of Teaching, Education and Business, and Theory of Probability. I earned a Master of Education - Professional Development degree in December 2003 through the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. Since earning a Master of Education degree, I have taken courses on MacIntosh computer applications including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Imovie, Photoshop; PC computer use; digital imaging; Internet use; learning styles; multiple intelligences; teacher and student health and wellness; nutrition; personality types; story telling; parent involvement; personal and professional rejuvenation; mindfulness; writing; creativity; Web 2.0 tools; Teaching CPM Geometry; and Preparing to Teach Online through MATC, Viterbo University, UW-Madison, Marian University, Augusta University, and UW-Stevens Point.
Outside of my life at school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, biking, walking, lifting weights, indoor cycling, practicing yoga, gardening, baking, fishing, traveling, and going to sporting events, concerts, fairs, and festivals. I also enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking, along with a long list of other hobbies and interests. In the future, I want to find more time to explore ice-fishing, painting, and computer programming.
I hope to continue to be inspired by all of the wonderful students that I have had the privilege of getting to know over the years. They have been such a pleasure to work with. Their youth, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn has made my career incredibly rewarding and satisfying. THANK YOU!!