I have known since I was 16 that I wanted to help people and that I wanted to be a teacher. I received a bachelor's degree in Special Education from Eastern Illinois University, a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University (Chicago), and a master's degree in Special Education from Chicago State University. I have been teaching for 26 years. I taught at the elementary level for 4 years (4th-8th grades), and I have been teaching at the high school level for the last 22 years. I like all subject areas, but I am most passionate about math; it has been my favorite subject throughout my school career. I enjoy learning how others learn so I can adjust my teaching to meet their needs. I enjoy working with my students to help them figure out ways that will help them understand and retain the information they are learning. When I am not teaching, I like to workout, play sports, and relax at the beach.