I was an educator for 23 years before accepting the job of instructional facilitator. My teaching experience began with three years in a private school in first grade and middle school. Afterwards, I taught for 20 years at Blythe-Bower predominately teaching in first grade. I also taught one year in 2nd grade and one year as a virtual teacher in 2nd grade.
I am currently an Instructional Facilitator in grades K-2. Brittany Hicks is our Instructional Facilitator for
grades 3-5. We enjoy our coaching partnership with our
Blythe-Bower Educators!
Fun Fact: We both began teaching at BB in 2001.
grades 3-5. We enjoy our coaching partnership with our
Blythe-Bower Educators!
Fun Fact: We both began teaching at BB in 2001.
Video of Modeled Lesson for Teaching Writing in Writer's Workshop (Lucy Calkins' Lesson)
MY PROFILE
o My Family
My husband, Brian and I have two amazing daughters, Stephanie and Tiffany who now live in Florida with our wonderful sons-in-law, grand-dogs and granddaughter.
o My Background in Education
I graduated from the University of Tennessee with my B. S. in Elementary Education. In 2011, I received a Masters of Education in classroom teaching from Lee University. I completed my Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction Specialist from Lincoln Memorial University in 2013. I received my ELL (English Language Learner) Certification from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2015.
o My Clubs, Activities, Memberships, and Community Involvement
- I have served as president and have been a member of the International Reading Association, TN Reading Association, and the local Red Clay Reading Council for many years. Sadly, we no longer have a reading association. The local Red Clay Reading Council was formed in 1990. The goal: to bring all teachers in this area together to promote literacy, share information and ideas, discuss issues related to reading, and create an ongoing community of people who have an intellectual passion for books and a love for reading.
- I am a past member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a Xi State Chapter. I served four years as an officer being the Correspondence Secretary. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is a professional honorary Society of women educators. The Society promotes professional and personal growth of its members and excellence in education.
- I have presented and have been a speaker on literacy and other topics at various workshops at my school, as part of Red Clay Reading, to the BCPEF, and also at the Title 1 Conference in Gatlinburg, TN.
o My Job Experience
After completing college, I was a stay-at-home mom until my youngest daughter was four. I home-schooled my oldest daughter for 2nd and 3rd grade during that time. I worked at Westwood Baptist Preschool teaching 4 year-old children for one year. I taught at TN Christian Preparatory School (formerly TCA) for three years, teaching first grade and then middle school English and literature.
I began working for Cleveland City Schools in 2001 at Blythe-Bower Elementary School, teaching 2nd grade for one year. I am now into my 25th year in education. Spending the majority of my teaching time in 1st grade, I have always worked with four other teachers on my team. A few of the teachers that I was blessed to teach with were: Mrs Jennifer Nelson, Mrs. Lisa Pemberton, Mrs. Amanda Osborne, Courtney Hays, Ms. Alex Clark, Mrs. Angeleea Varner, and Mrs. Karen Denton. This is my second year as an instructional facilitator.
o My Hobbies
I have had many hobbies throughout my life. I've always enjoyed cooking, baking, and cake decorating. One of the more exciting hobbies I've had was scuba diving. My husband is a PADI SCUBA Diving Instructor. I am a master diver with specialties in areas such as cavern diving, deep diving, and rescue diving. I was a volunteer diver for the Tennessee Aquarium for four years. I used to take my class on field trips to watch me dive at the aquarium and feed the fish, rays, and sharks. I also enjoy working out.
o My Places I have visited or want to Visit
I have my passport and am always desiring to travel! The farthest I've traveled was to Europe. My husband and I took a trip to London and Paris for our 20th wedding anniversary. I've also been to many of our wonderful United States and a few nearby islands to dive such as the Bahamas and Cayman Islands. I would especially like to go to Greece, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, and Israel. I would also like to visit Prince Edward Island, the setting for Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne series and also where the Anne of Green Gables movie series was filmed.
Books I have been honored and privileged to have written a small part.....
Almost Fables by Robin Richmond Mason and published by Pathway Press - I wrote the lesson applications for Chapter 9 -
"Of Mice and Moonshine." This book celebrates the existence of character and values within the Appalachian culture.
Shouting Victory-True Stories That Reveal God's Extraordinary Power & Faithfulness - Compiled by Sharon Maloney - I wrote Chapter 67.
o Types of Books I like to Read
I am someone who relishes the many genres of books. I usually find myself keeping up with about three books or so at a time. Of course, The Bible and Mere Christianity are my favorites. I love non-fiction, fiction, Christian fiction, autobiographies and biographies. At the library, you will most likely find me in the children's section looking through their new releases. It is my firm belief that any standard can be best taught through a story. When looking on my other Weebly pages, you will see a few of my favorite children's books and how I incorporate standards when using them to make connections in my lessons. I also own a collection of professional books that I think are very useful.
Some of my other personal favorites are:
Christian Fiction: Anything by Francine Rivers, especially The Scarlet Thread and Redeeming Love. Redeeming Love is based upon the book of Hosea in the Bible. Hannah Hurnard's Hind's Feet in High Places is an interesting allegory dramatizing the journey each of us must take before we can live in "high places."
Fiction and Non-fiction - : I love all classics! I will read almost anything, but other than that one favorite I like is The Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux. I like this book, because it shows the significance of life choices and how those choices can change the outcome of one's life. Another interesting book is one that my cousin Lori Richmond Cyree gave me. It is Good Old Boy by Willie Morris. If you have ever been to Oxford, Mississippi, then you will surely find it interesting.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
The Language of God by Francis Collins
Books by Bill Bryson
Devotionals: Max Lucado books. I love "No Wonder They Call Him Savior!" I also enjoy books by Margaret Jensen and John Eldredge.
Professional Books:
The Boy Who Was Raised by a Dog by Bruce D. Perry
Todd Whitaker books
The Thread that Runs so True by Jesse Stuart
Books by Eric Jensen , Howard Gardner, and Daniel Pink
o I used the following websites for determining more information on personal learning styles:
http://www.personal.psu.edu/bxb11/LSI/LSI.htm This link is a Learning Style Inventory.
http://www.ldrc.ca/projects/miinventory/miinventory.php This link is a Multiple Intelligence Inventory.
http://www.truecolorstest.com/True-Colors-Personality-Test.html This is a personality test.
o A description of myself as a learner:
I took all three tests at the links above. I discovered that my highest areas in Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theories are Interpersonal and Linguistic Learner. I was not surprised by this. Linguistic Learners like to read, write, and tell stories. They are good at memorizing names, places, dates and trivia. They learn best by saying, hearing, and seeing words. I think these characteristics fit me. Also, the interpersonal person likes to have lots of friends and enjoys being around people. Interpersonal learners learn best through sharing, comparing, relating, cooperating, and interviewing. I feel validated and confirmed about choices I've made in learning. I do consider myself a people person who enjoys sharing and getting along with others. As an only child, I also greatly enjoy my alone time. I recharge by balancing my alone time with just the right amount of people time.
My lowest scored area is Visual/Spatial. Spatial learners like to draw. They like movies, puzzles, maps, and charts. Although, I do not like to draw, I do enjoy movies and puzzles, especially word puzzles.
The Learning Style Inventory suggested that I am a visual/tactile learner and provided ways I could successfully learn and study. The True Colors Test was very interesting, because I scored almost the same in three areas. I scored a 15 in both green and blue and only a couple points less in gold. I scored low in orange. Based on this test, my strengths are knowledge, people, and duty. I would agree, because I am a lifelong learner who loves people and hates to let down my family and friends. I feel compelled to do my best and am very loyal and deeply concerned about any expectations others may have about me, not wanting to disappoint.
My husband, Brian and I have two amazing daughters, Stephanie and Tiffany who now live in Florida with our wonderful sons-in-law, grand-dogs and granddaughter.
o My Background in Education
I graduated from the University of Tennessee with my B. S. in Elementary Education. In 2011, I received a Masters of Education in classroom teaching from Lee University. I completed my Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction Specialist from Lincoln Memorial University in 2013. I received my ELL (English Language Learner) Certification from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2015.
o My Clubs, Activities, Memberships, and Community Involvement
- I have served as president and have been a member of the International Reading Association, TN Reading Association, and the local Red Clay Reading Council for many years. Sadly, we no longer have a reading association. The local Red Clay Reading Council was formed in 1990. The goal: to bring all teachers in this area together to promote literacy, share information and ideas, discuss issues related to reading, and create an ongoing community of people who have an intellectual passion for books and a love for reading.
- I am a past member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a Xi State Chapter. I served four years as an officer being the Correspondence Secretary. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is a professional honorary Society of women educators. The Society promotes professional and personal growth of its members and excellence in education.
- I have presented and have been a speaker on literacy and other topics at various workshops at my school, as part of Red Clay Reading, to the BCPEF, and also at the Title 1 Conference in Gatlinburg, TN.
o My Job Experience
After completing college, I was a stay-at-home mom until my youngest daughter was four. I home-schooled my oldest daughter for 2nd and 3rd grade during that time. I worked at Westwood Baptist Preschool teaching 4 year-old children for one year. I taught at TN Christian Preparatory School (formerly TCA) for three years, teaching first grade and then middle school English and literature.
I began working for Cleveland City Schools in 2001 at Blythe-Bower Elementary School, teaching 2nd grade for one year. I am now into my 25th year in education. Spending the majority of my teaching time in 1st grade, I have always worked with four other teachers on my team. A few of the teachers that I was blessed to teach with were: Mrs Jennifer Nelson, Mrs. Lisa Pemberton, Mrs. Amanda Osborne, Courtney Hays, Ms. Alex Clark, Mrs. Angeleea Varner, and Mrs. Karen Denton. This is my second year as an instructional facilitator.
o My Hobbies
I have had many hobbies throughout my life. I've always enjoyed cooking, baking, and cake decorating. One of the more exciting hobbies I've had was scuba diving. My husband is a PADI SCUBA Diving Instructor. I am a master diver with specialties in areas such as cavern diving, deep diving, and rescue diving. I was a volunteer diver for the Tennessee Aquarium for four years. I used to take my class on field trips to watch me dive at the aquarium and feed the fish, rays, and sharks. I also enjoy working out.
o My Places I have visited or want to Visit
I have my passport and am always desiring to travel! The farthest I've traveled was to Europe. My husband and I took a trip to London and Paris for our 20th wedding anniversary. I've also been to many of our wonderful United States and a few nearby islands to dive such as the Bahamas and Cayman Islands. I would especially like to go to Greece, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, and Israel. I would also like to visit Prince Edward Island, the setting for Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne series and also where the Anne of Green Gables movie series was filmed.
Books I have been honored and privileged to have written a small part.....
Almost Fables by Robin Richmond Mason and published by Pathway Press - I wrote the lesson applications for Chapter 9 -
"Of Mice and Moonshine." This book celebrates the existence of character and values within the Appalachian culture.
Shouting Victory-True Stories That Reveal God's Extraordinary Power & Faithfulness - Compiled by Sharon Maloney - I wrote Chapter 67.
o Types of Books I like to Read
I am someone who relishes the many genres of books. I usually find myself keeping up with about three books or so at a time. Of course, The Bible and Mere Christianity are my favorites. I love non-fiction, fiction, Christian fiction, autobiographies and biographies. At the library, you will most likely find me in the children's section looking through their new releases. It is my firm belief that any standard can be best taught through a story. When looking on my other Weebly pages, you will see a few of my favorite children's books and how I incorporate standards when using them to make connections in my lessons. I also own a collection of professional books that I think are very useful.
Some of my other personal favorites are:
Christian Fiction: Anything by Francine Rivers, especially The Scarlet Thread and Redeeming Love. Redeeming Love is based upon the book of Hosea in the Bible. Hannah Hurnard's Hind's Feet in High Places is an interesting allegory dramatizing the journey each of us must take before we can live in "high places."
Fiction and Non-fiction - : I love all classics! I will read almost anything, but other than that one favorite I like is The Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux. I like this book, because it shows the significance of life choices and how those choices can change the outcome of one's life. Another interesting book is one that my cousin Lori Richmond Cyree gave me. It is Good Old Boy by Willie Morris. If you have ever been to Oxford, Mississippi, then you will surely find it interesting.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
The Language of God by Francis Collins
Books by Bill Bryson
Devotionals: Max Lucado books. I love "No Wonder They Call Him Savior!" I also enjoy books by Margaret Jensen and John Eldredge.
Professional Books:
The Boy Who Was Raised by a Dog by Bruce D. Perry
Todd Whitaker books
The Thread that Runs so True by Jesse Stuart
Books by Eric Jensen , Howard Gardner, and Daniel Pink
o I used the following websites for determining more information on personal learning styles:
http://www.personal.psu.edu/bxb11/LSI/LSI.htm This link is a Learning Style Inventory.
http://www.ldrc.ca/projects/miinventory/miinventory.php This link is a Multiple Intelligence Inventory.
http://www.truecolorstest.com/True-Colors-Personality-Test.html This is a personality test.
o A description of myself as a learner:
I took all three tests at the links above. I discovered that my highest areas in Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theories are Interpersonal and Linguistic Learner. I was not surprised by this. Linguistic Learners like to read, write, and tell stories. They are good at memorizing names, places, dates and trivia. They learn best by saying, hearing, and seeing words. I think these characteristics fit me. Also, the interpersonal person likes to have lots of friends and enjoys being around people. Interpersonal learners learn best through sharing, comparing, relating, cooperating, and interviewing. I feel validated and confirmed about choices I've made in learning. I do consider myself a people person who enjoys sharing and getting along with others. As an only child, I also greatly enjoy my alone time. I recharge by balancing my alone time with just the right amount of people time.
My lowest scored area is Visual/Spatial. Spatial learners like to draw. They like movies, puzzles, maps, and charts. Although, I do not like to draw, I do enjoy movies and puzzles, especially word puzzles.
The Learning Style Inventory suggested that I am a visual/tactile learner and provided ways I could successfully learn and study. The True Colors Test was very interesting, because I scored almost the same in three areas. I scored a 15 in both green and blue and only a couple points less in gold. I scored low in orange. Based on this test, my strengths are knowledge, people, and duty. I would agree, because I am a lifelong learner who loves people and hates to let down my family and friends. I feel compelled to do my best and am very loyal and deeply concerned about any expectations others may have about me, not wanting to disappoint.