I am passionate about helping students because I love that "aha" moment when something they have been working so hard on finally clicks. Being able to help students of any age use their knowledge and give them tools to help them be as successful as possible is my biggest goal of being an educator. Teaching academics as well as real life skills is a huge factor as to why I decided to be an educator. I love working with students, engaging them in their learning, and showing them how to have positive roles in society. I have worked with students in first grade, second grade, third grade, and fifth grade. I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Longwood University in Farmville, VA. Afterwards, I began my teaching career in second grade while I also began my Master's program. I attended Longwood University for graduate school as well and obtained my Master's in Education in Reading, Learning, and Literacy. I have taught all subjects in second grade and fifth grade, but I am licensed to teach PreK through 6th grade in all subjects. I am also qualified to be a reading specialist with my Master's degree. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and tutoring in reading because I believe that literacy is a very important aspect in our every day life from the time we are children all the way into adulthood. It is critical that we can read and comprehend many things in order to be successful in life. Reading also can be used as an outlet, and I hope to give your child the spark of imagination by helping them be successful in reading. I do my best to try a hands-on and engaging type of teaching style. I want students to care about their learning. If they are responsible for their learning by, creating things, explaining their reasoning, and answering thorough questions, then they will be more likely to care which will result in more success. Giving my students those tools in order to complete all of those things will create more confidence and triumph and give them even more quality skills they can use in real life after grade school. While education is important to me, I also enjoy many things outside of academics! I am a mom to two young boys, Harlow and Hudson, and love spending time with them. They are so much fun! I also love playing softball and hunting with my husband, and I play volleyball with some of my friends in a recreational women's league. I try to stay active and outside as much as possible. I also love hosting dinners and events for my friends and family.