• I love teaching 1st grade because first grade children are so excited about learning.                          
    The most rewarding part of teaching this age is helping children learn to read. I have spent years studying the reading process and how children learn to read. I enjoy helping them to master the many reading strategies that will enable them to become confident, independent readers!
    Although I grew up in Gainesville, Florida, as a Florida Gator; I came to Tallahassee to attend FSU and received my teaching degree in Early Childhood Education as well as becoming a die-hard Seminole! 
    I have been teaching for 37 years and have taught preschool, kindergarten and K\1 multi-aged classes. For the past 26 years teaching 1st grade as been my passion.  As the saying goes, "time flies when you are having fun"!  
    Buck Lake Elementary has been my home for twenty wonderful years! 

     My professional growth is very important to me.  I have earned my National Teacher Certification and since that time, I have been very active as a mentor for other teachers; teaching classes in classroom management, vocabulary development, classes and art education. In addition to mentoring other teachers, I have mentored FSU Student Teachers for the past 28 years. I enjoy working with others in my field and I feel that it is my responsibility as a teacher to continue to develop my teaching skills as well has helping others develop their teaching skills.

    I am certain that teaching is my true calling and I cannot imagine having another career.  Life in the classroom is always changing and never boring!  I love working with 1st grade, watching them grow and learn and I look forward to each new year!