1. Where are you from?
I was born and raised in San Jose! However, I currently enjoy
living in Santa Cruz, just a half block from the beach. I see the Pacific
Ocean every day!
2. How long have you been with ADPP
I started with Primary Plus over 30 years ago! I was just a “baby”!
3. What is your position at ADPP?
I am currently the Teaching Principal at our Amber Elementary
campus. Teaching Fourth Grade in the morning and doing the Principal-ship in
the afternoon.
4. What is your teaching background and experience?
I am a graduate of San Jose State University. I have been nominated for
Teacher of the Year and was nominated twice for the Disney Teacher of the
Year Award. I am currently a Freelance writer for a Teaching Magazine and
plan to return to school to complete my Masters and Doctorate in Education.
5. What do you think is special about your ADPP location?
We have a family here at Amber. The people who work here are hard workers
dedicated to the students. The parents are very supportive and dedicated to
the students. And the students love us! How lucky I am to be here!
6. What is your favorite part of the day at ADPP?
I enjoy teaching Social Studies. We take time to read, discuss and learn
together! I’ve learned so much about California and enjoy opening up the
door to the past for my students!
7. What is the last book you read out loud?
Dr. Seuss Books for Read Across America Week!
8. What is the last book you read to yourself?
Winn Dixie
9. What is the funniest thing a child has said/done in your class?
I love hearing the excuses for not having homework, or why a student feels
they got in trouble. Some of the kids are really quick thinkers!
10. What do you do in your spare time?
I love to go dancing and spending time with family and friends at the beach!
11. What achievement are you most proud of?
I am most proud of working for the Teaching Magazine. Mailbox magazine is
printed in the United States but is sold all over the world. It’s really
neat to think that MILLIONS of teachers are reading my ideas.
12. What should children look forward to
doing/learning in 4th Grade?
The California Mission Project is soooo interesting! They will
certainly learn a lot from their project and they don’t have to build a
model. They have a choice of doing a poster, scrap book, power point
presentation or almost anything that shows what they learned. In fact,
that’s how I teach. I encourage creativity and can’t wait to have my
students show what they have learned.
13. What is the single best piece of advice you
can give parents of a 4th Grader?
Don’t hurry your students and put too much in their lives. Life can
get too hectic! Be sure to spend time with your child and simply talk!
14. What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy a lot about working in a school environment. The KIDS are
on the top of the list! They make every day special!
