Resume
About Me
10 years of experience and a proven knowledge of innovative assessment, inclusive classrooms, curriculum development, and course design.
Distinguished teacher rating for 4 consecutive evaluation cycles in 2 districts.
Two time presenter at the NCTE annual convention, contributing author for two professional development texts, co-author of Poking the Bear: A Guide for Engaging in the Conversations That Matter Most (2022).
licenses & Endorsements
Professional Educator License (PEL)
English Language Arts Senior High School (9-12)
Self-Contained General Education (K-9)
Language Arts Middle School (5-8) Endorsement
Mathematics Middle School (5-8) Endorsement
Teacher Leadership Endorsement (K-12)
Presentations & Publications
Co-Author | Poking the Bear: A Guide for Engaging in the Conversations That Matter Most | September 2022
NCTE Annual Convention Presenter | Own Voices Picture Books in Secondary Classes | November 2021
Tom Schimmer Podcast | Summer Series: Standards-Based Grading | July 2021
Contributing Author | 100 No-Nonsense Things that ALL Teachers Should Stop Doing | Stop Using Grades as Punishment pp. 107-111 | May 2021
Contributing Author | The New Teacher’s Guide to Overcoming Common Challenges | Providing Voice & Choice for Your Students | October 2020
Illinois ASCD Social Emotional Learning Summit | Isolation vs. Integration: Authentic SEL in the Classroom | July 2020
The Lasting Learning Podcast | Episode 124 | July 2020
Intelligogy The Podcast | Season 2, Episode 18 | Season 3, Episode 2 | June 2020
The Planning Period Podcast | Equity & Running 6th Graders | February 2020
Teach Better Talk Podcast | Episode 135 | January 2020
AIMS Network Blog | Personalizing Products, Pacing, and Content in Language Arts | December 2019
NCTE Annual Convention Presenter & Session Chair | Teachers as Researchers | November 2019
NCTE Literacy Blog | My Grammar Journey | April 2018
NCTE Literacy Blog | Teaching News Bias Without Being Biased | June 2017
Illinois Reading Council Journal | Blogging As Professional Development | Fall 2017
Skills & Abilities
Innovative curriculum design
Inclusive classroom communities of value & respect
Reliable and professional
Organized and thorough in planning
Collaborative team player
Dedicated to research-based methods of teaching
Critical & creative thinker
Involved in research & professional development
Employment History
English Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher | Barrington Middle School, Prairie Campus | August 2020 - Present
Achieved "Distinguished/Excellent" teacher rating on the Charlotte Danielson framework for two consecutive years (20-21, 21-22)
English Language Arts curriculum leader
Competency-based grading team member
Led a team of language arts educators through curriculum mapping around common learning objectives & assessments
Facilitated professional development on competency-based learning
Created common assessments centered on vertically aligned goals
Utilized relevant & engaging instructional methods that appeal to diverse student identities, experiences, & abilities
Girls volleyball coach
English Language Arts Teacher | Kaneland Harter Middle School | August 2014 - July 2020
Achieved "Distinguished/Excellent" teacher rating on the Charlotte Danielson framework in the 18-19 and 19-20 school years
Taught both gifted and special education co-taught English courses
Designed & piloted competency-based grading portfolios
Developed proficiency-based curriculum maps with a team of English educators
Personalized learning committee member
Piloted self-paced, mastery learning structures
Assistant Track Coach
School Improvement Team member
Facilitated school-wide professional development on standards-based grading & assessment
Director of Curriculum & Instruction | Teach Better Team | 2019-2021
Edited, organized, & formatted content for optimization & impact
Designed curricular materials for adult professional development & further professional learning
Led strategic social media outreach to engage professionals
Coordinated content schedule for maximum impact
Engaged educators in meaningful professional development regarding best practices & personalized learning
Gifted Education Instructor | Northwestern University Center for Talent Development | 2019-2021
Design unique, challenging curriculum in STEAM, creative writing, & behavioral economics
Cultivate inquiry and critical thinking skills in a hands-on & engaging environment
Promote collaboration & thoughtful discussion among students
Education
Northern Illinois University | M.S.Ed Curriculum & Instruction | June 2018
Bradley University | B.S.Ed Summa Cum Laude | May 2014