Awards and Honors: While living in North-East Texas, I was chosen as the 2000 Elementary Teacher of the Year. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. I do not know who nominated me, however, I would like to thank them for doing so. I would also like to thank the Chamber of Commerce's Education Committee for choosing me to be the Elementary Teacher of the Year. It is an honor that I will treasure forever. During my first year to teach in the Houston area, I was chosen as February Teacher of the Month, and I was a Teacher of the Year Nominee.

Teaching Experience and Responsibilities: Spring 1990- Student Teaching (3rd Grade) Fall 1990- Spring 1993- Second Grade Fall 1993- Spring 2001- Third Grade (Campus Gifted Coordinator) Fall 2001-Spring 2002- Fourth Grade Language Arts Fall 2002- (K-5th Grade) Gifted and Talented Education Spring 2003-Fall 2003 -DELTA Gifted Coordinator January 2004-Spring 2005 -Fourth Grade Fall 2005-Spring 2008 -Third Grade Fall 2008-Fifth Grade At the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year, I lived in Texas and was working with Kindergarten-5th grade Gifted and Talented (GT) students. I pulled those students out of their homeroom classes and challenged their young minds. If needed, I provided enrichment ideas and activities for any student in need of differentiation in the regular classroom. I was also serving as Science Coordinator, Advanced Academic Placement Program Director, Student Council Sponsor, District-Level Advisory Board Member, and I was on the District's Science Vertical Alignment Team. My responsibilities as Campus Science Coordinator included,creating a science lab, ordering supplies, scheduling, and being a science resource person, for the teachers, on my campus. As Student Council Sponsor, I was in charge of elections, monthly meetings, fund raisers, and Student Council Activities. Other than that, I'm was a TX BESS (Beginning Educator Support System) Mentor Teacher, and I was mentoring a first year teacher! Whew! I think that's about it! :-) I got married in February of 2003 and moved to Michigan. After moving to Michigan, I worked as a DELTA Gifted Coordinator. As a DELTA Coordinator, I was responsible for working with gifted children on four campuses. I helped teachers differentiate curriculum, conducted testing, ordered supplies, and worked with parents of gifted children. In January of 2004, I moved back into the classroom and am currently teaching 5th grade students.

Training and Extracurricular Activities: I was chosen, by the Texas Education Agency, to be a Test Reviewer and Editor for the 3rd Grade R.P.T.E. (Reading Proficiency Test in English.) I was also on the T.I.F. (Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund) Grant Writing Team, and participated in T.I.E. (Technology in Education) training. I have been to many workshops and conferences. Some of them are: New Jersey Writing Project, Writing Academy, Robando Writing, Preparing for the T.A.K.S. (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) Writing Test, Brain Compatible Classrooms, Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Students, Gifted and Talented Creativity Models and Applications, Gifted and Talented Identification and Assessment, Gifted and Talented Methods and Materials, Gifted and Talented Counseling and Guidance, Elementary Science Institute, Math Institute, Renaissance for Leaders, N.C.E.C. (National Computer Educator's Conference), Science Tools and Ideas for the Elementary Classroom, AIMS Science Themes for Grades 3-5, GEMS Explorations for Math and Science, T.A.A.S. (Texas Assessment of Academic Skills) Holistic Scoring Grades 3-4, Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum, T.E.K.S.(Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) Training for Leaders, Learning Styles, Conflict Resolution, Multiple Intelligences, C.A.M.T.(Conference for the Advancement of Mathematics Teaching), and attended the T.A.G.T.(Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented) Conference. During my years of teaching, I have chaired and/or been a member of many committees such as; Accelerated Reader, Science Fair, Parent Volunteer, Red Ribbon Campaign, Volunteer Luncheon, Yearbook, Technology, District English and Language Arts Committee, and many more. I have also served as Grade Level Chair, coached 4th Grade Ready Writing for U.I.L., judged the 4th grade U.I.L. Oral Reading Competition, taught Extended Day Tutorials, and served as the Campus Gifted and Talented Coordinator. While I was the G/T Campus Coordinator, I helped my district revise its policies for the testing and placement of gifted students.

Professional Memberships:  I am a member of the Texas Classroom Teacher's Association (TCTA), Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT).

Community Service and Interests: For nine years, I was actively involved with a local chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, an international women's service sorority. During my years as a member, I served as President twice, Vice President twice, and as Recording Secretary. I also chaired every committee and was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi City Council. My sorority chose me to be their Girl of the Year and to serve as their Sweetheart. I enjoyed serving my community through the many projects that my sorority sponsored. A few of my interests include; golf, raquetball, working out, movies, music, scrapbooking, antiquing, and spending time with friends and family. I love children and feel blessed to work with them each day. They make my heart smile!