Upon graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Business Administration, I took a position with Copperas Cove High School in August of 1999. That first year, I taught Keyboarding and BCIS. Since the first year, I have also taught BCIS, Introduction and International Business. Teaching at CCHS has been the experience of a lifetime. What makes the job so great? It's both fun and challenging at the same time.  I look at my job as more than just teaching Computer Science. I have the privilege and duty to also teach the responsibility and personal integrity needed to advance in today's society.

So what about before teaching you ask? I have always been teaching in some capacity. Even in college. While getting my degree, I worked for SFA in their telemarketing department. After soliciting donations for the university for 6 months, I was promoted to be a manager of the call center during the evening call sessions. While doing that job, I also helped to develop our training materials as well as trained the new calling staff. I have to admit, there's nothing better for preparing someone for a job in customer service (or education for that matter) than working in telemarketing. Patience is a virtue you learn quickly in both careers.

Now as you can see from the slide show I have a very cool family, which includes my parents, two sisters, two brothers-in-law, numerous cousins, 7 nephews and 3 nieces. And yes, since you are wondering, I am the oldest child in my family. I have been blest to be able to call my family some of my best friends. But also from the slide show, I do have some great friends outside my family.

What do I do other than teach you ask?  Well, I also enjoy traveling. If you ever get the chance to go, I suggest Disney World. You can tell from the slide show that it really is a special place. Another place I enjoyed seeing was the Grand Canyon. Believe me when I say flying over it is NOT the same as standing on the canyon edge. Quite awe inspiring! One place I'd really like to visit is Alaska. I have plans to go for my 35 birthday, but you'll have to guess when that is.

Since I know you all will ask, yes, I love sports. My personal favorite is Baseball. Given that I played softball for 15 years, I had to develop a love for the game. There's just something about being at the ballpark in the summer with screaming fans. Heckling the outfielders at minor league games is pretty fun too. My favorite team is the Houston Astros. I have followed this team for almost 20 years. Just don't ask me who my favorite Astro is, it would be too hard to pick just one! 

Well I hope that this gives you a small insight into who I am. Of course, I am looking forward to getting to know each one of you over the next school year.

See you in class.

Ms. P