What is your educational background? For my K-12 education, I attended Burnsville Elementary School and East Yancey High School. I then attended Wake Forest University (Psychology), Lees McRae College (K-6 Certification), and Salem College (B-K Certification). While teaching first grade, I also earned my ESL K-12 certification.
Where do you teach? What grade level(s) and subject area(s)? I work at B.H. Tharrington Primary and Mount Airy Middle School. I currently work with students learning English. In my career I have taught Pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade.
How many years have you been in education? This is my 22nd year in public education.
How many years have you worked in another career? I've worked four years as a hospital administrative assistant, four years as a social worker in an inpatient mental health unit, four years teaching in private preschools, and two years teaching early child development to new parents.
Tells us about your family. Ron and I met at WFU and have been married 39 years. We have two grown children who went through MACS - Jennie is a physician assistant in Clemmons and Ryan is an attorney in Winston-Salem. We're blessed with two precious grandchildren, Natalie (6) and Tyler (2).
What is your favorite part of the year and why? My favorite part of the year is fall. I love when the weather is getting cooler and leaves are changing colors. I also love the first few weeks of school. One of my favorite things is morning hall duty when we welcome new students and welcome back returning students. There's a sense of excitement and new possibilities in the air - as well as lots of hugs!
Finish this statement: I teach because I've always wanted to have a positive impact on children's lives - academically and emotionally.
Ask your class or group of students to describe you using 3 adjectives. funny, kind, great teacher