BACKGROUND
  • BA in History and an MA in Social Studies Education from UGA
  • Certified to teach U.S. History, World History, AP World History, AP Art History, AP Psychology, Economics, English, and Special Education 
  • Gifted certified
  • Taught English in Japan with the JET Program from 2006-2008 living and working in Shiga prefecture
  • Briefly taught English in Modena, Italy with a UGA study abroad program
  • Official College Board AP World History reader (essay grader), 2014-present


AWARDS
  • Winner of the "Galis Family Award for Teachers of History and Social Studies," 2017
  • Winner of the "Freida M. Thomas Teacher of Promise Award", 2013
  • Winner of the CCSD "Four Star Award," 2013
  • Spring 2012 Regional Stock Market Game champions
  • Winner of the 2012 Empowered Youth Program's "Teacher of Influence" award

ORGANIZATIONS:
INTRODUCTION

Hello and welcome to my classroom website! I'm so glad you stopped by and I hope you find the information and resources helpful. But first, perhaps you would like a little about the teacher. 

I teach AP World History and AP Psychology. I have been teaching social studies since 2010 and each year has presented new challenges and opportunities. I love my job, my students, and my school and I hope that is evident in my teaching style and approaches to learning. 

EDUCATIONAL MISSION

I am a strong proponent of promoting diverse perspectives in my classroom. My many travels abroad, including living in Japan for two years, have imparted to me the importance of multicultural education and I seek to incorporate these experiences into my curriculum. I am passionate about pedagogy and I enjoy working with young minds each day! 

I am a firm believer that students of every skill level deserve a challenging academic experience. I emphasize critical thinking skills and I seek active student engagement in the classroom. I hope that my students leave my classroom as stronger readers, writers, and thinking critically about the world around them. I also hope that my students become lifelong learners who strive for self-improvement throughout their lives. 

Please let me know how I can help your child be more successful in my classroom.
PHOTOGRAPHY 

One of my great joys is photography. I've been an amateur photographer since I was in high school and I have a passion for capturing the world. Below you can see a small sample of some of my photographs. 
"The human race is unimportant. It is the self that must not be betrayed." 
"I suppose one could say that Hitler didn't betray his self." 
He turned. 
"You are right. He did not. But millions of Germans did betray their selves. That was the tragedy. Not that one man had the courage to be evil. But that millions had not the courage to be good."

-John Fowles, The Magus