I bring 33 years of elementary classroom teaching experience, with a particular focus on fourth grade. Throughout my career, I took on numerous leadership roles, including serving as a grade-level chair, participating on my school's technology committee, and establishing and leading community partnerships that enriched students' learning experiences. I also mentored approximately 50 student teachers, presented professional development workshops for fellow educators, and shared my work at state education conferences.

Beyond the classroom, I serve as the Opalka Family Teacher in Residence for the New York State Archives Partnership Trust, where I write and develop educational content for *Archives Jr!* magazine. My work includes researching and writing historical articles, designing primary source investigations, and creating engaging learning activities that make New York State history accessible to young learners. In this role, I continue to share my expertise through presentations at state and national education conferences.

Drawing on my classroom experience, I develop educational resources emphasizing English Language Arts, social studies, New York State history, and the use of primary sources to build students' critical thinking skills.

My teaching style centers on active, engaging learning that encourages students to think critically, ask questions, and make meaningful connections. I believe students learn best when they are actively involved in discovering information, exploring different perspectives, and applying what they have learned.

I emphasize inquiry-based learning, hands-on activities, and the integration of English Language Arts across subject areas. Whether students are analyzing primary sources, investigating historical events, working collaboratively, or responding to literature, I encourage them to examine evidence, draw conclusions, and support their thinking.

I also believe that meaningful learning should be accessible to all students. My lessons incorporate a variety of approaches, including visual resources, discussion, reading, writing, and creative activities, to accommodate different learning needs and encourage student participation.

Above all, I strive to create learning experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students develop the skills to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners.

AWARDS
* Historic Pittsford Preservation Award for Education 2024
* New York State Archives Student Research Awards Winner - 2018, 2022, 2023 and 2024
* New York State Archives Educator Award for Excellence in the Use of Primary Source Documents - 2019
* Air Force Association Chapter Teacher of the Year 2018
* Monroe County Legislature Excellence in Teaching Proclamation - 2018

MS Education with Reading Certificate - SUNY Cortland;
BS Fine Arts, Elementary Education Certificate - Nazareth College of Rochester

At Uplifting Learning, you'll find classroom-tested lessons and activities designed to make teaching easier and learning meaningful. Explore my collections to find resources that fit your classroom!

📚 ELA & Literacy | Grades 3–5

ELA Focus Units
Literacy lessons using carefully selected picture books as mentor texts to help students explore, practice, and apply essential reading and writing skills.

Write, Create, Display
Creative writing projects paired with crafts and activities that turn student work into engaging classroom displays.

🔎 History & Primary Source Investigations

Story to Source Investigations
Connect literature and history through picture books and authentic primary sources while building inquiry, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning skills.

The American Revolution Series | Grades 4–7
Literacy-rich lessons, primary sources, and historical investigations exploring the people, events, and ideas of the American Revolution. Designed for classrooms nationwide.

🗽 New York State Social Studies | Grade 4

NYS Social Studies Framework Units
Comprehensive, standards-aligned units with detailed lesson plans, primary sources, informational texts, engaging activities, and assessments.

The New York Daily
Quick, engaging activities integrating NYS Social Studies and ELA skills. Perfect for morning work, bell ringers, early finishers, and enrichment.