Teaching:
School: Indian Creek Elementary
Grade: 4
Subjects: All
Number of years teaching: 33
Farm Bureau/Ag Literacy Connection: I have participated in Ag in the Classroom presentations, attended the Summer Ag Institute at Farm Bureau, and I am the Ag Literacy Ambassador for Indian Creek Elementary.
What is your favorite unit to teach? I love to teach “Pioneers”, an Oregon Trail simulation. I also enjoy teaching many lessons that have been shared with me from the Summer Ag Institute and from Farm Bureau’s Ag Literacy resources.
What do you enjoy most about teaching? I enjoy seeing my students get excited about learning.
What is something unique you do in your classroom? Each year students perform a play for grandparents called “Historical Hysteria”! Famous Americans from the past come alive and talk about their achievements.
Why is it important for students to learn about food and farming? Students need to know where their food comes from and develop a greater appreciation for the effort and hard work that goes into producing agricultural products.
How do you inspire students? I use a variety of teaching activities to motivate students such as integrating technology into lessons.
Personal:
Hometown: Shabbona
College/Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from NIU
What did you want to be when you grew up? I’ve always thought I wanted to become a teacher because my mom was a teacher. During my student teaching experience it became clear that teaching was my passion.
Favorites:
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, traveling, sewing, crafting, and crocheting.
Book: “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle
Sports teams: The Chicago Cubs and the Indian Creek Timberwolves
Travel destinations: Most of the United States, France, England, Scotland, and Ireland