Undergraduate Degree
I graduated cum laude from Houghton College with a B.S. degree in Inclusive Childhood Education with a concentration in Spanish. *What a coincidence my college's name is the same name as the school I teach now!!!
Teaching Experience
After graduating from Houghton College a semester early I moved to the Santo Domingo capital of the Dominican Republic where I taught fourth grade at a bilingual private school. While living in Santo Domingo I lived with two Dominican mujeres (ladies) who did not speak any English- so I learned Spanish very well while living with them! I returned to the states after 6 months in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York City to teach as a third grade special education inclusion teacher in the Bronx of New York City! I loved living in New York City and have many wonderful memories there. However, a very special man asked me to return to Buffalo (where I grew up!) and marry him! When I moved back to Buffalo I was hired as a fourth grade teacher at Maplemere Elementary in the suburban Sweet Home Central School District.
Master's Degree
That's right! I go to school too! :) I am working on my master's degree at the University at Buffalo! My degree is expected September 1st, 2010.
Teaching Philosophy
As an educator, it is my passion to work with students who are diverse in their learning styles and to teach according to their individual needs. It is my desire to create a classroom atmosphere where each student feels safe and comfortable to learn and where each can discover his/her potential for success.
I look forward to teaching this year at PS 69 Houghton Academy!!!