Education and Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Southern Mississippi. Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.

Certification in Biology, Chemistry, and AP Biology. 

Philosophy of Education

In terms of educating the future to be scientifically literate, it is of the utmost importance for the student not just to learn the material, but to experience science and be a part of science and the scientific process. When one lectures a concept to their students, the students will only retain a small portion of the material and in the long run not remember much of it, as all they remember of it is that of pictures and texts. It is imperative that for our progeny to become scientifically literate, they become an active part of learning through experiencing with their own two hands what the nature of science is and by going through the scientific process. Through experience, knowledge is gained, and this knowledge will help students retain the information for their entire lives, and not just for a week to regurgitate on a test. As a teacher I want more than mediocrity for my students.   I want my students to gain an exceptional grasp and understanding of the world of science, why it is important to them, and how they can relate to what it is they learn, rather than learning material as isolated facts. I will present materials in a variety of fashions that suit each individual student’s needs.

My classroom has set rules and procedures that must be followed during every class period. Rules in the classroom are designed for three major purposes: maintaining order in the class, creating an environment ripe for learning, and teaching self-discipline. It is my belief that when students feel welcome in a classroom and feel that they are in a safe, non-hostile environment, that learning can occur. These rules help foster such an environment.

The procedures of my classroom are designed so that students will know what is expected of them and so that order is maintained in the classroom. When I am speaking to the students, it is because I have something important to tell them. If students are talking and not listening, some students may miss a vital piece of instruction. Students will enter the room before the tardy bell and quietly sit in their seats, begin assigned activities or follow written directions quietly and on an individual basis. Students who enter tardy without a permission slip will be warned their first time. Subsequent failure to show up on time will result in the student being reprimanded accordingly. It is the student’s responsibility to be prepared for class. If students cannot afford basic supplies, they may speak with me so that they may have the materials they need to succeed in my classroom. All papers will be turned in to their proper bin: homework in the homework bin, tests in the test bin, and class work in the class work bin. All homework papers will be turned in before the tardy bell rings at the beginning of class. After the bell rings, homework will not be accepted. When individuals self-check their homework, no other pens or pencils may be on their desk besides a red pen used for corrections.   No other color will be accepted. Broken pencils may be sharpened after the student raises his/her hand for permission to sharpen it. Pencils will NOT be sharpened during a test for any reason. I will dismiss class, not the bell. Students who finish early may read to themselves and remain quiet, or speak to me for supplemental activities. When I give permission to leave, students may exit in a quiet and orderly fashion.

The Biology lab is an extension of my classroom. Students will be required to follow all of the safety procedures of the laboratory. All rules and procedures that apply in my classroom will apply to the lab setting as well. Any student who plays around with lab equipment or acts recklessly in a lab environment will be disciplined to the highest extent allowable by the school. Safety in the lab is of the utmost priority. I wish to have a safe classroom that will allow the flowers of knowledge to blossom. In order for this to happen, students must follow the rules and procedures that are in place not only for their protection, but so they may learn. The lab can be an excellent learning tool to help foster success, but it is not a playground. It can be a dangerous place and as such must be treated with respect.

Consequences are the results of what happens when classroom rules are broken. These rules were developed so that order may be maintained in the classroom. When students break the classroom rules, the feeling of safety leaves the classroom, and the learning process stops. Consequences are set forth to deter students from breaking these rules. A verbal warning will be given if a student breaks a rule the first time. When the same rule is broken, or another rule is broken along with the first, I will document the rules broken, and have him/her sign that he/she understood what was done. When a rule is broken for the third time, it is no longer an accident, and as such, will result in a write-up along with a call home informing the parent/guardian of what has occurred. After a rule is broken for a fourth time, I will call a parent-teacher conference and discuss the situation with the student’s parent/guardian. At that time, I will work out with the parent/guardian a behavior modification plan, and when a consensus is reached, it will be implemented. Further infractions will be taken up with the school principal, the parents, and me in another conference to decide what the best course of action will be to take from there.

The classroom is a place where all students are treated equally as individuals. Students, regardless of background, will all have the same opportunities and be treated as equals in my classroom. Teacher and parent/guardian relationships are of utmost importance. I will strive to maintain good parent teacher relationships and keep parents informed and involved in their children’s learning process. Consistent contact with parents/guardians and keeping children involved are the best means possible to foster a learning environment where children of all types of backgrounds can be educated in the best possible manner.

The world of Biology is immense and an exciting place to become a part of and learn. Science is ever-growing, and getting the future generations literate about what is happening in the world of science should be on everyone’s minds. During my teacher intern field experience, I hope to stimulate the interests of students in the world of science as a whole, and help them gain a better understanding of the world around them.

This is my ninth year teaching at Horn Lake High School. Previously, I spent three years experience teaching at Trinity Episcopal Day School teaching 7th Grade Science, 8th Grade Science, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Physical Science.

Presently teaching: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, and AP Biology

I graduated from Picayune Memorial High School in 2005.  I majored in Biological Sciences at the University of Southern Mississippi and graduated in 2009.  After graduation I worked at Trinity Episcopal High School for three years.  Then I began my career at Horn Lake High School. In 2018, I majored in Educational Leadership at Arkansas State University and graduated in 2020.