Surely you are wondering who your new teacher really is. I will give you the short version. I began teaching
ESL (English as a Second Language) when I moved to Hong Kong in 1997. (Yes, I am aware of the fact that you
were not even born yet!) It would be inaccurate to say that I developed a passion for teaching through this
experience; it was a passion for learning that developed within me. I was amazed to watch children learn English
rapidly - much quicker than my acquisition of Cantonese, which never truly happened. I was inspired as children
who did not understand any English quickly learned and gained entrance to prestigious international schools. To
communicate with these kids in a language that I taught them was a life changing experience. I knew that I wanted to
help others grow intellectually and personally.
I earned a BA in English from the University of Hawaii and a Master's in Education from Missouri Baptist University.
The teaching certificates I hold include English Language Arts/ Reading grades 4-8 and English Language Arts/ Reading
grades 8-12.
As a secondary English teacher at the largest high school in Hawaii, I learned to adjust my teaching strategies in order to
meet the needs of a diverse group of students. I was a high school teacher for two years. The challenge of teaching children
with such a wide range of educational needs set the tone for my teaching career. As a result, I see each child as an individual
learner and strive to facilitate their growth and progress. What does that mean? YOU, my student, are important to me!
I taught two and a half years of language arts in South Texas before arriving in Austin. Two of those years I worked with eighth
graders, though I was teaching seventh grade when I left Harlingen. Although the Harlingen community was not as diverse as Austin,
it was definitely rich in culture. I am a better teacher because of my experiences there.
This will be my seventh school year teaching at Canyon Vista Middle School, and I still feel honored and blessed to have the
opportunity. I am here to serve. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I am thankful for the opportunity
to learn with you this year!