About Me
I am currently an Instructional Specialist/Coach for the Romoland School District. I provide Professional Development and support for four elementary schools and a middle school. Previously, I was assigned to Harvest Valley Elementary School, as a third, then as a fifth grade teacher. I learned that many students continue to be struggling readers.
My background includes working as a Literacy Coach in the state of Michigan, along with working as a facilitator for ushering in the grant, No Child Left Behind. I had training with Ann Cunningham, a specialist with speech sounds, and Louisa Moats, one of the developers of the LETRS modules, Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling. I also had training with Roland Good, and DIBELS, Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills. During this time, as a facilitator, I provided professional development to other coaches, teachers, and principals. I have also taught all grades, but mostly first and second grades. In 1995, I was one of the first of 33 teachers in the U.S. that became involved in the process of National Board Teacher Certification as an Early Child Generalist. This allowed me to be invited to the white house to meet with President Clinton and it gave me the opportunity to mentor other candidates that embraced the process. I also renewed NBCT in 2005. I've always believed that all children can learn and if needed, be able to provide the appropriate intervention, in order for them to have a brighter future! My Capstone Project allows me to share something that I am passionate about! I am the second oldest of thirteen children. My husband, Tom, and I have four children and nine grandchildren. We enjoy the theatre, golfing, and travelling to visit our families. I have also travelled to China as part of a teacher forum, which has further added to my many professional experiences. I continuously focus on helping struggling readers due to my background of teaching the primary grades in the Detroit Public School System. Many children came to school never having been read to, or had come to school as non-English speakers. I needed to learn all that I could in order to equip myself with strategies for meeting the needs of these children. Upon becoming a Literacy Coach and facilitator for the state of MIchigan, I obtained valuable training and insight concerning high-needs children. I continue today to assist teachers and students in the Romoland School District, providing them with the necessary intervention that all children are entitled to! |