I was born in Selmer, Tennessee and moved to Palmetto, Louisiana when I was in the first grade. I grew up in the small town of Palmetto, where I learned to ride bikes, fish, and played with neighborhood friends until dark. In 1994, I moved to Tennessee, where I got married, started a family, and lived until 2006, when my family and I returned to make Louisiana our home again.

It was at Palmetto Elementary School where my first grade teacher, Mrs. Reba Jackson, instilled in me respect for learning. In 1994, I graduated from North Central High School, in Lebeau, Louisiana, where my English teacher, Mr. Paul Martel, awakened the gift of writing in me. In 2009, I finally made the leap and enrolled in Western Governors University to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a certified Elementary school teacher. I graduated December 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8), completing my undergraduate degree program in just three short years.

Before returning to school, I worked as a certified substitute teacher in St. Landry Parish at Palmetto Elementary School. I subbed in 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades. During my undergrad studies, I completed my Pre-Clinical Experiences at Simmesport Christian Academy in Simmesport, Louisiana and worked with students in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. During this time, I created and presented lesson plans and activities, as well as incorporated various teaching strategies, such as cooperative learning groups within the classes.

Demonstration Teaching was completed in the fall of 2012 at Palmetto Elementary School in a third grade class. During DT, I worked with my host teacher to create and execute lesson plans. I also learned about using the Whole Brain Teaching strategy and other strategies, such as the Bucket System.

As a little girl, I would play school during the summer. I remember lining up my baby dolls in a row, writing my list of students’ names, and creating my grade book. I taught those dolls how to read, add numbers, and all about the state bird of Louisiana. Although it took me decades later to finally step forward to make that dream come true, I can proudly say that I finally did it. I am a teacher.