MEET THE TEACHER

I am in my 5th year here at David Lubin Elementary School where I currently teach my favorite grade, Special Education Pre-K. I find every day a challenge and a joy. Teaching is truly my passion and I hope to instill my passion for learning into my students.  I wake up every day hoping to make a positive contribution to the successful development of the students I teach. 
            
My Background

I grew up in a military family and lived in many countries and states. I was born in Japan, lived in Washington, Oregon, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Philippines, and Hawaii.  I did most of my formative years growing up on the island of Oahu. I attended college at Washington State University where I studied and minored in Interior Design and met my husband.  We relocated to California where I attended California State University of Sacramento earning a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and also my post graduate credential of Early Childhood Special Education Specialist.  I also have a minor in General Education Multiple Studies from National University. 

I have been married for 32 years, have 2 grown children and a granddaughter, who is truly the apple of my eye!  We have lived in California for 30+ years now and couldn't imagine living any where else (besides a condo in Hawaii).

My Free Time Activities

I have many hobbies which include spending as much time as possible with my family. I love to design, create and decorate!  I am a self proclaimed DIYer, have tiled my own house and pool (as well as other friends and families bathroom/kitchens), paint and repaint rooms, design my own classroom decor and artwork, I love to travel.  I LOVE the beach.  If you could earn a great living at being a beach bum, I would apply for that job as quick as you could say BEACH!  I have traveled to Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Hawaii, Bahamas, Alaska, up and down the Western Coast, Florida, Indiana, Tennessee, New York, Washington DC, New Jersey, Nevada, Idaho and Wyoming.  Next on my bucket list is Europe and Australia. 
            
My Teaching Philosophy

In my classroom I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and inspiring atmosphere. I believe students learn best in a community of learners where they feel valued and respected. My teaching begins with making your child feel at home in our classroom.  All of us come together and make a learning community filled with different interests, abilities, talents, histories and hopes. I teach to the needs of each child so that all my students can feel capable and successful. My motto is: "If a child does not learn by the way you teach, then teach them by the way they learn". Teaching provides me with an opportunity for continual learning and growth. I hope to inspire my students to be great learners, as I share my passion for learning with them. 

My Professional Life

Along with my passion for teaching, I actively pursue every educational opportunity or school activity I can.  This school year I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of committee that allowed me to take all my passions and put them into one,  I was selected to be the lead designer/purchaser for a Reading Room on our campus.  We were 1 of 5 schools in the whole state of California that was selected to receive a scholarship fund from the Ben Carson Reading Room Foundation.  I designed the room with our students in mind to allow them the opportunity to unlock their imagination by reading in a room that allowed for a calm yet inspirational atmosphere. 

I am also serving as a BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment) Support Provider. As a support provider, I provide support and assistance to beginning teachers within our district in the process of receiving their professional teaching credentials by assessing their current teaching strategies or areas of growth and how to implement these strategies into their classroom successfully.