I earned a Bachelors of Science in English Education from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville in 2010 and a Bachelors of Science in Public Relations from Illinois State University in 2006. I have been involved in the classroom in some capacity since 2007 as an aide, a sub, or simply an observer. I secured a position as a secondary English teacher in public education in 2011. It was in the summer of 2013 that I took part in the Piasa Bluffs Writing Project (PBWP) and came to know the CoLab team. Recently, after the birth of my first child, I decided to take leave from my current teaching position in order to be home with my growing family.

 

After taking part in the Piasa Bluffs Writing Project in 2013, I became a part of the CoLab leadership team. I was a new teacher when introduced to the 3 Durable Practices and ResponsiveDesign, and through this work I was able to find myself in my teaching and make purposeful lessons that achieved specific goals in my classroom. My participation with the CoLab has not only opened my eyes to my own teaching, but it has also allowed me see and experience other teachers’ practices. The most rewarding part of my work with the CoLab is networking with a diverse group of teachers and professionals. It is through our common passion for education, at all levels, subjects, and capacities, that I have been able to examine, appreciate, and improve my own classroom and teaching practices.