I was raised in Arizona, in a small ranching community. As far back as the family tree grows, there are ranchers, lawyers, and teachers. Although I ate my share of Rocky Mountain Oysters, and competed on the 2nd-place-at-State Mock Trial team, it seems the teacher in me wouldn't be silenced. Just ask my husband or my three sons--who constantly remind me they are not one of my students. I disagree.
I attended Northern Arizona University and graduated with a B.A. in Secondary Education (English and Spanish Teaching) from Weber State University. From National University, I earned my Master's of Arts in Teaching degree, with an emphasis in National Board Certification Leadership.
I have taught a variety of subjects at Northridge High School since 1998, including all levels and grades of English, Spanish, Yearbook, Concurrent Enrollment Communication 2110, Advisory, Study Skills, and I run a student prevention/awareness team (i.e. drug, alcohol, pornography, violence prevention and safety awareness). I also teach Communication 2110 for Weber State University.
I am an aspiring writer, working currently on a novel for new teachers--the first chapter of which was published in the Utah English Journal--and a sitcom treatment/screenplay based loosely (or directly) on my sister's life. I dabble in poetry, personal narratives, and essays, several of which have been published over the years.
No doubt, as soon as you read that 1) I am an English teacher and 2) I am an aspiring author, you began scrutinizing my writing for errors and evaluating my ability to appeal to the reader. Or am I just paranoid, like all those people who think I start evaluating their grammar or editing their hand-outs as soon as they discover I'm an English teacher? Well, I don't do that. Okay, not entirely true--I do do that (I just wrote do do in my bio), but I usually, out of respect and not to tempt Karma, keep it to myself.
Did I mention I get off on tangents?
Anyway, I'm a teacher and I love it. It's the best part-time job I've ever spent full-time working.
Ever heard the phrase, "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride"? Well, that's me, award-wise.
Does it count I've been nominated for the Hall of Fame recognition at my school 7 out of 9 years? And, last year I was nominated for the Huntsman Teacher of the Year. I was also the runner-up to the Utah English Teacher of the Year. I suppose, if she would have been caught in an inappropriate relationship with a student that year, I would have had to take over as the reigning TofY, but she retired instead, ensuring the shut out. It gets embarrassing. I feel for those Emmy nominees.
Fine, I am being facetious. In all seriousness, I am honored anyone would even consider nominating me for anything. There are much more deserving teachers throughout the state, district and my school. I am proud to rub shoulders with many of them.
Teaching Experience:
- Northridge High School, 1998-Present
- English 10, 11, 12, Honors 10
- CE Communication 2110
- Yearbook 1, 2
- R.E.A.L. Team (Ridge Educators And Leaders)
- Spanish 1
- Advisory 10, 12
- Study Skills
- Ski & Snowboard Club Adviser
- Outdoor Club Adviser
- JSSC Committee
- Weber State University, 2006-Present
- Adjunct Professor, Department of Communication
Volunteer Experience:
I have served on the Utah Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts Board in multiple capacities, including New Teacher Representative, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Chair, Registrar, and, my current position, Webmaster Extraordinaire. (Okay, I added the Extraordinaire part--it just sounded prestigious.)
I also was elected as the Utah Foreign Language Association Secretary, pero despues de trabajando en esta posicion por un ano, yo estaba terminada. (Would that be considered a Spanglish pun?)