I was born to teach. I love everything about teaching but most of all I love helping students find a way to understand material, and then be able to find confidence. In addition to implementing a variety of teaching strategies, I am strong at building relationships with my students so that they have more buy-in to their own learning. I graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and secondary English education. I was able to work in many Adams 12 schools throughout my education. Once I graduated I taught one year of 8th grade language arts at Northglenn Middle School. Then went on to receive my master’s degree in content, curriculum and instruction at the University of Colorado, and completed my degree in 2009. I have been teaching 6th and 8th grade language arts in School District 27J. I am very well versed in middle language arts curriculum, along with 5th grade and 9th grade requirements. I love to read, especially science fiction, and have been successful in helping my students find and understand books that they like to read at all levels and genres. I think Ender’s Game may still be my all-time favorite book. Writing is another area I enjoy teaching. Helping students find ways to expand and organize their thoughts is always fulfilling. I love to tutor writing to help students see where they started and how much further they can go. I am also an avid swimmer. I have been a swim coach for a summer swim league, with swimmers aged 8-18, for approximately ten years.