What do you want students to take away from your classes?
I want students to feel confident
that they have the knowledge and skills they need to continue to deepen their
practice in literacy instruction and be a peer-leader in their schools. I want
them to learn how to use that knowledge not only to become better teachers, but
to engage communities in ongoing literacy learning that honors every child's
potential. In my reading courses, I want students to learn about structured
literacy instruction and consider how it fits with culturally relevant and
sustaining practices. Sense of place and belonging are also central to my
current work related to environmental and climate change literacies. I want
students to take away an impression of how important literacies are in every
aspect of life.
Why did you start teaching?
I never thought I would be a teacher.
I was an English major and planned to continue in English to become an English
professor. Teaching English was supposed to be temporary. But I quickly
realized that, as they say, I didn't teach "English," I teach—and
learn—with people. And I loved young people. Looking back, I was always
interested in teaching. I started teaching for the job; I stayed in teaching to
make a difference.
What is the value of an MSEd degree?
Education is literally our
business. There is always new research, new perspectives, new or improved
approaches to teaching literacy, and a higher degree deepens our practice. A
higher degree in literacy also opens the door to opportunities in and out of
the classroom. You become a leader and find greater fulfillment in meeting the
challenges of teaching.
What advice would you give to those considering an MSEd program at SOU?
The advice I would give those considering
our online program is to reach out to the incredible, talented faculty at SOU
to find out more or to ask questions specific to your goals. Our literacy
courses offered online are ahead of the curve in the reading science and are
grounded in the literacy as social justice. You'll find your peers are
committed students and professionals and you will build a strong network of
support. We are a regional university with even greater reach.
What is one book you think everyone should read?
“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin
Wall Kimmerer
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students may not know.
My students may not know that I taught a summer bridge program focused on reader/writer workshop in Guangzhou, China and that this experience was one of the most impactful on my teaching practice here in the U.S. On a personal level, I was an extreme risk taker as a young woman and once broke my back cliff diving.
