Hello fabulous fifth graders and families!  I am so excited to get to know you this year.  I have been a 5th grade teacher since 2015.  Before coming to Midtown, I previously taught third and fourth grade in Madison City schools and worked for a local church in full-time ministry.

I was lucky enough to grow up in Madison, and my family still lives here.  I went to Madison schools and run into my old teachers all the time.  My bachelor's degree is in collaborative education and Spanish from Birmingham-Southern College.  I also have a masters from the University of West Alabama with a focus on school counseling.  

I love learning, both in school and out!  Technology, when used wisely, has provided a way for us to always pursue learning and satisfy our curiosity.  We will be exploring that this year in fifth grade.

To learn a bit more about me outside of school, check out my Smore page: Get to Know Me!

Some Beliefs that Guide my Teaching:

All people are unique and gifted differently.  This influences how we learn best (group work, insolation, with music, quiet space, hands-on).  Students will be given choices and opportunities to explore, through trial and error, how they best learn in my classroom.  

Fair is NOT always equal.  I will do what's best for each child as they need it.

There is a difference between "I can't" and "I can't yet."  Alongside reading and language, I teach students to have a growth mindset.  We may be frustrated and take breaks, but we NEVER give up.

Don't fear failure!  We will all fail, but it our choice as to whether we quit.  Failure is a tool we can use to learn and grow.  It is uncomfortable and hard, but how we respond to it determines whether it will stretch us or destroy us.

Stay in Touch!

We use ClassDojo and online newsletters to communicate in fifth grade.  
Email: savest@madisoncity.k12.al.us