Teaching:
School: Herman E. Dummer Elementary School
Grade: 4th
Subjects: All
Number of years teaching: 12 years
Farm Bureau/Ag Literacy connection: A few years ago our district was left without a science curriculum, so I contacted the Farm Bureau to see what was available for us. We now use several literacy kits every year. Best of all, we collaborated to create a field trip to Adams Family Farm that brought together the Ag Literacy program, the Soil and Water Conservation District of Ottawa, the Illinois Beef Association, the Somonauk/Leland Sandwich FFA, the Adams Family, and all of our fourth graders!
What is your favorite unit to teach? I enjoy teaching our energy unit for science and about the culture and environment of each United States region in social studies.
What is something unique that you do in your classroom? My math students do all of their work online and they like that it makes them feel grown up.
Why is it important for students to learn about food and farming? It is important for students to see the connection between what they are putting in their bodies and where it came from. Every year when we have Ag in the Classroom they are always amazed at the Illinois farm products and how local farmers provide these products for the rest of the world.
Share one memorable teaching story.
Recently, I had a former student come back to observe my classroom for her community college class. After that, she decided to attend my alma mater to continue her pursuit of obtaining an elementary education degree. It was such a proud moment!
Personal
Hometown: Sandwich
Family: I have a 4 ½ year old son, Brody.
College/Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Masters of Education in Educational Policy Organizational Studies from the University of Illinois
Favorites
Quote: “Play the hand you’re dealt, but you choose who is at the table.”
Hobbies: Reading, watching TV and movies, and playing board games
Book: “A Fish in a Tree” by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Sports team: Any University of Illinois team
TV show/movie: “King of Queens”
Travel destination: Disney World