I started out my college career at Wm. Rainey Harper College in Palatine, IL. It was here that I took general education classes and received by Associate of Arts degree in May 1994.
I went on to study both education and mathematics at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in May 1996. While there I obtained all As and one B.
During my semester student teaching I was able to work with Michelle Welin who was instrumental in bringing the University of Chicago Math program to Conrad Fischer Elementary School. I student taught 4th grade students at Conrad Fischer in Elmhurst, IL. I student taught under the direction of both Cynthia Smith-Jans (adjunct professor at Elmhurst) and Michelle Welin (Math Coordinator for the district). This unique experience provided many extra opportunities to learn.
After graduation I taught middle school math. I knew my heart was at the primary level so I went on to do a long term sub for second grade. I absolutely loved it and enjoyed working with a team of incredible teachers who worked together to come up with innovative, hands-on lesson plans noting differentiated instruction for each subject area. I stayed at Woodland Elementary to teach a split 2nd/3rd Bilingual class. It was the inaugural year of the program. I taught the English portion and had a Spanish speaking aide who would reiterate lessons in Spanish when necessary. The next year I taught third grade and was able to keep some of my bilingual students for one more year. It was during this year that I became pregnant with my second child so I took some time off to be at home with them.
I couldn't stay away from teaching for long. After the birth of my third child, I did a home daycare with 4 preschool age children. I created a curriculum of stories, songs and crafts based on themes.
I just finished my forth year teaching preschool at Grayslake Cooperative Nursery School in Grayslake, IL. I developed an age appropriate curriculum based on the Illinois Learning Standards for Early Childhood. It is theme-based and focuses on prereading and writing skills along with science and exploration.
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