Teaching

My mom was a teacher, so when I was looking for some temporary work in 2001 it was only natural that I tried substitute teaching. In January of 2005, I got a contract teaching math using Renaissance Learning's Accelerated Math, making the most of small group and individual instruction. Then I went contract full-time, bringing math to a second school and science to a third. The following year I became a classroom teacher. My early success encouraged me to get my credential from SJSU, which I finished in 2007.

Meanwhile, I was offered an opportunity to teach music in elementary school and share my aural passion. With Rhythm & Moves I bring instruments, music literacy, cooperative skills, opportunities to perform and creative ways to respond to all of the music around us to over 700 students every week. I've completed Level I and II of Orff-Schulwerk, a course for music teachers focused on student learning experiences. As busy as I am, I look forward to Saturday workshops with my local Orff chapter where music teachers get to play and bring back fresh ideas.

Because I love learning as much as my students, I decided to continue at SJSU, enrolling in the masters in education program with a focus on science and technology. I have found it both challenging and rewarding, and am looking forward to being finished. New adventures await!

Philosophy of Teaching

Anything worth learning may not be easy, but is always worthwhile. It's the process that creates endorphins, and the more endorphins, the more fun! Promoting the value and the fun of learning can create life-long learners in others.