For the past 19 years of my life, I have enjoyed the everyday challenge of teaching middle school students. I began as the 8th Grade American History teacher in West Salem in 1994. Prior to joining the staff of WSMS, I was a 6-12 social studies teacher in the Wauzeka-Steuben Public School District. In addition to teaching 3 sections of 8th Grade Social Studies, I spend my afternoon as the Middle School Instructional Coach. This position provides me the opportunity to work with the great faculty and staff at WSMS to help make them even better at what they do. Additionally, I am one of the yearbook advisors and the coordinator of the end of the year 8th grade trip.
I earned my undergraduate degree in broadfield social studies with an emphasis in history & geography from UW-Platteville. I've completed a graduate degree in education through UW-La Crosse. I'm close to completing a master's degree in history, with an emphasis on public history, through UW-Eau Claire. I have a great interest in the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and how Wisconsin's story fits into what was going on nationally.
Outside of school I am very active in other areas related to social studies education. I teach an elementary and middle school social studies methods course at Viterbo University in La Crosse. In March 2009, I assumed the role of President-Elect and Conference Co-Chair of the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies, a professional organization of social studies educators (K-College). In this role, I've had the privilege of traveling all over the state and country to meet with social studies educators.
Eighth Grade Social Studies finds our students exploring the time period between the American Revolution and the turn of the 20th Century. I hope students learn that history is so much more than what is written in the textbook. History is the story of the countless people who came before us that shaped our world today. Students complete a National History Day project (www.nationalhistoryday.org) during their eighth grade year which allows them to delve into a historic topic of their choice related to an annual theme. This year's theme is "Innovation in History: Impact and Change". The projects created by our beginning historians will be shared at the 8th Grade Spaghetti Supper in March.
Although email is the best means of contacting me, if you need to talk to me directly the best time is between 10:00 a.m. and 11:20 a.m.
8th Grade Website
https://sites.google.com/wsalem.k12.wi.us/8th-grade