Though this is technically my second year here at Shelterwood, I am just finishing my first year teaching at Shelterwood School. Back in 2003 I went through the LeadTime program at Shelterwood in Denver, Colorado. After finishing my year there, I moved back to Springfield, Missouri where I taught math, social studies and reading in the public school system for four years. When Doulos began considering the move to Kansas City, I began praying about returning to teach in the school and when they did make the move I came up to join them here in Independence.
This year has been an amazing blessing and time of learning for me as a teacher. The lessons I learned in LeadTime and in my few years teaching in public schools have proven invaluable in my new position, but the staff and students in the Doulos community have taught me far more than I would have thought possible. Though I was already familiar with the rules, procedures and program of Shelterwood, my new role as teacher here has brought amazing growth and stretching to me both spiritually and as a teacher. Still, it has been my best year of teaching yet and I truly feel that this is the perfect job for me right now.
Born and raised in Southwest Missouri, I attended Missouri State University where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education with an emphasis in science and math and then a Master of Science degree in curriculum design and instruction before moving to Denver for LeadTime. I hold a teaching certificate from the state of Missouri in science, math, social studies and language arts.
At Shelterwood School, I teach the science courses as well as a few upper level math courses: biology, physical science, earth science, marine biology, health, algebra II and calculus. With some hesitation and anxiety, I took over teaching bible this semester, which has been an incredible challenge and a surprisingly great experience.
