I'm a Middle School ELA & Social Studies teacher, but more importantly, and educator. I've spent most of my teaching career in 6th grade, with a year in 8th just last year. I have a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from UC Davis, but becoming a middle school teacher after spending my student teaching in upper elementary was purely happenstance! I got drawn into the world of Middle and have been here ever since. I absolutely LOVE the quirkiness of middle schoolers, but more importantly, I love being a part of what are arguably their most formative years. Through reading to explore, writing to express, and analyzing our world's events, my students have a safe place to process who they are and who they want to become.

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When it comes to teaching, I am passionate about finding the best approaches to student learning. My classroom is the opposite of static. I am always bringing in new strategies and fun activities to boost engagement:

I spent two summers at week-long Institutes in New York at Columbia University Teachers College to study reading strategies and interventions for Middle Grades. I brought Breakout Boxes into the classroom to help build classroom community around a unit of study we were learning about. I incorporate book clubs into my curriculum because many students are often more motivated to read with their peers than on their own. And most importantly now, while I've always considered myself a digitally competent teacher, I am constantly on the hunt for the best digital resources and learning tools.

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I live here in Livermore, and I am thrilled to be finally teaching in my own community. I spent the previous 7 years teaching 6th-8th grade in San Ramon, Pleasanton, and Union City.

I have a 2 year old daughter, and I feel the importance now, more than ever, to be more connected to my community.