I am an educator with over 10 years of classroom experience. I have a master's degree in Special Education and am certified to teach special education K-21 and English Language Arts grades 9-12. I have taught in urban and rural districts, and I make a point to value the student as a person first and then as a learner. My students are high achievers and have successfully moved from secondary education into higher education and careers. I am constantly learning about the educational field and best practices that are emerging. I have extensive experience designing Common Core State Standards aligned curriculum and developing required and elective courses. I am a Newsela Certified Instructor and have training in ISBE Indicator 13 audits, Smekens educational theory, the Danielson method, and social-emotional learning. I am a successful grant writer and have an extensive technological background, including G Suite applications.