The goal of teaching is not only to instruct the student in the subject matter, but also to help them improve their ability to learn and to think independently. I am a proponent of a classical liberal arts education because the tools that you give students are more enduring than the specific knowledge. In foreign language learning, this often translates to teaching students how to build vocabulary, read a dictionary, use forms, and practice pronunciation. They are learning the language, and they are also improving their ability to learn other languages, to write, to read, and to interact with unfamiliar cultures.

I studied Latin at Virginia Tech and UNC-Chapel Hill, and I had the good fortune to also study abroad in Italy for a semester. After graduate school, I taught Latin at the middle and high school levels for 4 years.

At home, I am an avid crafter and gamer with three cats. I love to bake and to work on my new home.