I am a 2012 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University. During my time at Penn State, I studied Secondary Education with a concentration in English and Communications. This focus allowed me to study literature, intensive writing, theatre, journalism, and other topics. As part of my program, I was able to travel to London for a summer abroad, learning from the works of Shakespeare and Virginia Woolf. I am currently enrolled in graduate school at The University of Pittsburgh to receive a graduate degree in Education and a certification as a teacher of the blind and visually impaired. Since my graduation from Penn State, I have worked as an English teacher where I instruct high school aged students in British literature, American literature, public speaking, career skills, braille, and functional academics. In this position, I have discovered a passion for providing high interest materials to students to help increase reading and writing skills. I am an avid reader and I love helping students build upon their reading skills so that they can make meaningful connections to written materials, develop a love for literature, and most importantly, develop the skills to be successful in school and in the work place. Every day, I work with students to build upon skills that help support independence in the writing process, from brainstorming and creating an outline, to editing and polishing a final draft. My approach to teaching and learning is to make instruction clear, effective, and to have a bit of fun in the process. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my large family, rollerblading, spending time outdoors, and cooking.