For the past six years, I have worked as a Language Arts instructor.  I began my career immediately out of my undergrad work from Bethel University at Broadway High School, a Minneapolis Public School for pregnant and parenting teens.  I took a leave of absence from Minneapolis Public Schools during 2005-2006 school year to help open, organize and work at a new alternative school in Waconia through Carver-Scott Educational Cooperative. Throughout this time, I have participated in graduate programs at a variety of schools, and have enjoyed learning and bringing new ideas into my classroom. 

As well as working with alternative students, I have also been involved with a district-level pilot program for online teaching.  This experience has opened my eyes to the importance of integrating technology into the field of education. 

I have recently completed my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at St. Thomas University.  Through this time I was able to further learn the pedagogy behind utilizing technology in the classroom and research further options.  I was able to broaden my knowledge of education from a strictly alternative setting to a more traditional approach to education.

I hope to continue my career as a Language Arts teacher for many years.  It has been extremely rewarding.  As I learn more about online options, I see the need for more teacher-leaders in our district, and I know that I would be a great candidate for that, as I am already beginning my work in that direction.  As I have enjoyed working with challenging alternative students, I hope to keep my options open for the new challenges that a traditional setting would bring as well.

Studying for my MA in Curriculum and Instruction gave me the background needed to become an excellent teacher in the changing field of education.  It has broadened my understanding of education and options available for teachers, as well as gave me a deeper understanding of technology and curriculum development.