When I think of myself as a reader and a teacher of readers, I think of the people who sowed the reading seed in my life as well as the conditions for learning that were necessary for me to become the reader that I am today. I think about how important the work is that I do, that work , that magic teachers conjure up when reading books aloud. The worlds that they create that whisk students off and take them places they've never been before. What a privilege, honor and awesome responsibility it is! I'm also reminded of a quote by Robert Louis Stevenson that sums it all up: "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant." Like Mrs. Rumphius, a character from a book written by Barbara Cooney, I plant the reading seed because I must "do something to make the world more beautiful". This is why I am passionate about reading and writing instruction. A little about my professional and educational experiences: * Elementary school educator for over 20 years * Past recognitions have included: 2016 Teacher of the Year ( Twin Hills Elementary School), 2015 Mulroney Scholar (University of Pennsylvania), and a 2015 NJEA Hipp Foundation Grant recipient. J *Enrolled in graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, studying Reading, Writing and Literacy. My research interests include: critical studies, educational equity, intergenerational reading practices, digital storytelling and technology in education and social justice. *Written articles for The Review, a publication of the New Jersey Education Association and for publication for the John Dewey Society

I enjoy reading, writing, gardening, cooking, traveling, and hiking.