Years teaching including this one: 17
Other places taught: Lancaster, PA; Springfield, PA; Belleville, IL; Chicago, IL; Quebec, CAN; McKinney, TX; Grapevine, TX; N. Casper, Pineview, Powder River, Manor Heights, Grant, Sagewood, Evansville, Oregon Trail and Poison Spider
Other subjects taught: High School Choir, High School Band, Jr. High Band, private clarinet, private saxophone, Beginning Jazz Band, Marching Band, Jr. High Choir, Elementary General Music, World Music Drumming
Other graders taught: PreSchool through 12 th grade.
Degree(s): Bachelors of Science in Music Educations, Masters of Arts in Teaching, Orff Level I, World Music Drumming Level I and Level II.
How you came to teach at PS: I was looking for a change in schools. When the Oregon Trail and Poison Spider POD opened I asked Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Harris if they would consider me as their General Music Teacher. They both said yes. This will be my 3rd year at PS.
Why PS is unique: I like that it is a little farther away from town. I learn a lot from the students about how it is to live on a ranch, about agriculture and the cool things about not living in town. Poison Spiders family-groups are very unique. It makes the school feel like a large extended family. All families have problems now and again, but the students here seem to work together to solve those problems. Since we are a smaller school compared to most, the adults get to know the students on more of a personal level. The adults and students can build personal relationships easier when you take the time to get to know each other better.
Extracurricular subjects you provide for students at PS: DRUMming Circle for 4th-8th Graders. I want to start a recorder club if we can get it scheduled.
Why you provide the extracurricular subjects you do: Drumming together builds teamwork, rhythmic memory, makes you a better musician, makes your brain work in ways so that the neurological pathways become stronger (which makes you better able to learn many other subjects) and has been proven to lower blood pressure and hear rate. We go places together, take small trips, and perform for large functions around Casper. It makes us feel proud of ourselves because we work hard together and learn how to have fun at the same time.
What it is about teaching that excites you: I get thrilled when students learn how to learn... when spark shines in their eye... and they feel good about themselves for trying their best. Being your best is all about doing your best... not always being better than everyone else.
One of the important things you do for your students: teach them how their brain works so they can learn how to learn... no matter what they are looking for.
One of the important things we do as a staff for the community of studets: All the adults at Poison Spider should work together to do what is best for the students who attend our school.
Why you chose to become a teacher: I had an outstanding 7th grade band director in Jr. High. He moved when I was in 8th grade. The new band director was just as bad as the other one was good. By 9th grade I was embarrassed to play in the band because we were so bad. It was then that I decided to be the best music teacher I could to keep other students from feeling the hurt and embarrassment I felt back then.
Number of siblings: 2 brothers and 2 sisters. I am the second oldest.
Where you parents now live: Mom lives in Ambler, PA. Dad died 20 years ago.
Number of children: 2 girls. A 7th grader and a daughter who is a Jr. in College.
Pets? Yep--- Banjo our Boarder Collie. He's 9.
Hobbies, things you do for fun outside of the school day. Ride bikes, sew, walk the Bridal Trail, go to music workshops, spend time with family, camping, reading.
What values you hope your students take away from your classroom. Even though you might not like something in school or you feel you aren't good at it, you should always do your best because you never know when you might need it.
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