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Hello! Again, welcome to my porfolio. While my portfolio is dedicated to showcasing my coursework and my professional life, this page exposes a little more of me personally outside of my classroom. Thank you for visiting and enjoy!
Undergraduate Stepping Stones
My undergraduate all started at a junior college near my hometown, Mineral Area College, in Park Hills, Missouri. At MAC, I was given the opportunity to play volleyball at the college level. During this time, I finalized my decision to become a teacher and enrolled in teaching courses there. I graduated and earned an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree. I met two very influential professors while at Mineral Area College, as well as two coaches who had a profound impact on me and the person I am today. I earned many academic honors including President's List, Dean's List, Academic All-Conference, and Scholar Athlete.
From there, I continued my academic and athletic endeavors at Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, where I graduated Cum Laude with my Bachelor's of Science in Early Childhood Education: Birth-Grade Three. I completed my student teaching at Greene County Tech Primary and Elementary School in Paragould, Arkansas. During my final semester at Williams, I also served as the student assistant for the Lady Eagles volleyball team after two years as a student-athlete on the team myself.
Both Mineral Area College and Williams Baptist College were key stepping stones in my educational journey. The professors I had and the coursework I completed were crucial to my success thus far and prepared me to be the teacher I am today.
Master's at Michigan State
As a lifelong learner and lover of technology, I was ready to begin the next stage of my learning journey. I knew the importance of technology in the classroom and the impact it had on student success. I wanted to instill my love of technology into the young hearts of my students and extend my own ability to use technology aside my current pedagogy.
My passion for both technology and teaching with technology brought me to Michigan State University, where I enrolled in the Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) program. Through this program I have learned how to further integrate technology into my instruction, as well as create learning experiences for my students that are saturated in technology that require them to think critically, create, and play.
Graduation Day at WBC
Me With a Few of My Students
Teaching Experiences
After graduation at Williams Baptist College, I was fortunate enough to land a teaching position with a prominent school district in my area. There were numerous applicants and few positions available. After several interviews, I received a phone call stating that I had landed a position. Little did I know I would be teaching 7th Grade Communication Arts. Being elementary certified, I was a bit thrown for a loop, as well as extremely nervous. I accepted the position with an open mind and began prepping.
Although teaching seventh grade was completely out of my comfort zone and professional expertise, I loved every second of it. It taught me a lot about myself, my abilities, and children in general. I knew this was just a temporary place for me that would hold lasting lessons.
After teaching seventh grade for two years, I applied for an opening and was moved to Central Elementary to teach second grade. I recently completed my first year in second grade and absolutely loved it. The kids are eager to learn and very creative thinkers. They tend to enjoy a little independence, but also like guidance and reassurance during their exploration, learning, and thinking processes. I look forward to many more years in second grade!
My Second Grade Classroom
Coaching Commitments
For as long as I can remember, sports have been a huge part of my life and more specifically, volleyball. Volleyball has taken me all over the country and exposed me to life lessons that can only be taught on the court.
Some of the most influential people in my life I met through volleyball, so it was no surprise that I would eventually continue my passion for volleyball far past my own court days via coaching. While I do play some indoor and sand volleyball, I've transitioned into the coaching realm. I began my coaching career as a club coach, then moved on to a high school coach, and currently as an assistant coach at Mineral Area College, where my college playing career all started.
Coaching has allowed me to remain competitive if only on the sidelines, but to also to pass on my knowledge of a game that I love to other young girls who love the game and are eager to learn more. Through camps, leagues, and the eventual season, the gym is my home away from home.
Family First
Throughout my life experiences, both negative and positive, I have had one of the best support systems one could ever wish for. My family has been there for every graduation, every sporting event, and any time I sought their advice. Without them, I could not have accomplished the things I have to this point. They will always be my number one priority.
While I have not come to the marriage step in life to this point, I have found my lifelong partner, Mike. We met on the campus of Mineral Area College where we both coach. Our love for learning and sports brought us together, but our devout love and friendship to one another has remained constant in our three-year relationship. I look forward to life with Mike by my side.
Finally, I can't mention family without mentioning my fur baby, Mattie. Mattie was a gift to me during my junior year of high school. She's been by my side through thick and thin as well. She's a fun-loving cockapoo that means the world to me and just look at how cute she is!
My Family
MAC Volleyball
Mike and I
Mattie
Hobbies
Photography
Boating
Home Remodeling
Antiquing
Sand/Indoor Volleyball
Movie Watching
Online Shopping
Traveling
St. Louis Cardinal Baseball Games
St. Louis Blues Hockey Games
Outdoor Activities
Golf
About Me
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