I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I have always loved school. I have to credit my mom for that. One of my fondest memories from childhood is sitting at the kitchen table with my mom “playing school” while my older brother was in school. I looked forward to this time every day. I got a snack and worked in workbooks. Learning was always fun and never seemed like work.
Once I started kindergarten at age 5, that love of learning just grew. When I wasn’t at school, I was playing school with my friends or my stuffed animals. I loved my teachers and wanted to be just like them.
I graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education and from Furman University with a Master’s degree in special education. I earned National Board Certification in 2005 and renewed that certification in 2013. I have taught at Taylors Elementary and Simpsonville Elementary for a total of 21 years. Most of those years have been in first grade, but I have also taught 2nd and 3rd grade.
I want my classroom to be a safe place for all of my students, a place where they feel loved, welcome, and respected. I enjoy celebrating both large and small successes with my students. I love being a part of their “ah ha” moments when new learning clicks and I can see their excitement and pride.
It is truly a joy and an honor to serve as the Teacher of the Year for Simpsonville Elementary School. I work with the best faculty, students, and parents in the state!