1. You’re engaged! When and where will you be married?  We are planning to tie the knot in February of ’09… in the Bahamas! I can’t wait!

2. How do you enjoy spending time with your fiance?  We love to travel, cook together, and hang out with our family and friends. We like to play games like scrabble, backgammon, and jeopardy.

3. How long have you been teaching? What grade?  I have been teaching since 2001. I am currently teaching sixth grade in a Spanish Immersion School. I have taught preschool, high school, and pretty much everything in between!

4. What is the best way for parents to help in the classroom?  Parents can let teachers know what they would like to do and how often they can volunteer. Some of my parent volunteers come as often as twice a week, while others come twice a year. No matter how often they are able to help, it is a great way for them to stay connected to their children’s school community. I prefer when parents suggest how they would like to use their talents in my classroom. For example, one mom was really into photography, and she took on that role for the year. It was terrific! Another parent clipped interesting magazine and newspaper articles and eventually started a current events board for us.

5. What advice can you give to parents about how to help their children succeed in school?  Consistency is key. Those that are there on time every day tend to be successful. The students that are prepared and filled with energy get a lot more out of the lessons. I notice that students with tons of extra curricular activities can get overwhelmed and tired.

6. What is the best way for parents to communicate with teachers?  I would suggest that parents make an effort to read school newsletters and check the class websites to stay informed. In my opinion it’s best to call and make an appointment if you have any questions or concerns. Emails can be easily misinterpreted. I know it is easy and quick, but it is overused.

It is also helpful to drop off an encouraging note every once in a while. Several moms do that in my class and it gets my day off to a great start! It is very motivating, whereas negative communication can potentially interfere with a teacher’s instruction. Establishing positive communication will pay off and it is good modeling for your kids.

7. What is your favorite vacation spot?  We got engaged in Thailand and it was beautiful there! I also love going to places where I can practice Spanish.

8. Who is your favorite movie or TV star?  I really like Pam on The Office.

9. How about your favorite movie?  Project X, Little Women

10.What are three to five books that you’ll always keep on your shelf?  The Bible, Love and Logic by Jim Faye, 1000 Places To See Before You Die, and lately I have been interested in historical fiction books

11.What about favorite children’s books? Best books for the age you teach?  My favorite children’s book is Oh The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. I always read that to my class on the first day of school. For the age I teach, I like series books because they keep kids reading.

12. How do you spend your days?  Weekdays – working and mostly at home, Weekends – with people, doing outdoor activities

13. What’s a job you think you might have enjoyed doing, if you had pursued a different path? Why?  I can’t imagine changing careers (I love my students and having summers off!), but I think I would have enjoyed journalism because I like to write. Of course I would love to be a “hip mom” like all of you some day!

14. What do you feel truly passionate about in life?  Church, Teaching, and Language Acquisition

13. PC or Mac Lover?  I would like to try a mac