Current Assignments

Teaching:

  • 6 periods of general chemistry
  • 1 period of AP chemistry

Other:

  • ACT prep class in mathematics and science reasoning
  • SIS gradebook specialist for teachers at SFHS

Hobbies and Interests

Favorites

Movie: IQ, Lord of the Rings, the Princess Bride, Oscar

"Rainy-Day" Activities: Playing barefoot in the rain, reading novels and science magazines, crocheting

Outdoor Activities: Hiking, camping, flying kites, working in the flower garden

Color: Varies every day.  frequently lavender, green, or yellow

Food: Baked potatoes with almost anything on top

Treat: Swedish fish and peanut M&M's

Dreams

Visit Europe and take a ride in a gondola

Play the guitar

Earn a PhD

Build a greenhouse in my backyard

Write something worth getting published
Education

University of Utah

  • May 2006-August 2007
  • M.Ed. in Teaching & Learning
  • Emphasis in science, math & technology

Brigham Young University

  • ESL Endorsement

Weber State University

  • B.S. in Chemistry Teaching
  • Minor in Physics Teaching

Current Projects and Goals

Currently I am researching methods of teaching inquiry science in chemistry.  I plan on integrating strong components of the nature of science and inquiry science next year in my curriculum.  Along with this, skills related to interpreting graphs and data tables will be taught.  These skills with help students prepare for the science reasoning portion of the ACT and future science courses.

Other goals include teaching students various study strategies and how to better succeed in their academics.

Outside of class, I am learning to play the guitar and draw.  I am gaining a lot of sympathy for my students.  I haven't ever had to work so hard or been so frustrated learning something.  Ever.  The challenge is good for me, though.  It is always good to be learning new things, gaining new skills, and expanding the mind (and, in this case, my finger stretching capabilities).


Background

I grew up in Payson, Utah in a large family, the daughter of a high school teacher.  I graduated from Payson High School in 1999 and went to school at Weber State University to study chemistry.  After being in school for a couple of years, I decided to go into teaching, instead of emphasizing research and development.  My first job was at a junior high school, from December 2002-June 2003, but I really wanted to teach chemistry and work with high school students. 

I started teaching at Spanish Fork High School in the fall of 2003, and have been here ever since.  I have really enjoyed working with the students and the faculty at Spanish Fork High.  Last year was my first adventure teaching AP chemistry.  Through that experience I learned a lot and the structure of my class has dramatically changed since my first experience.  This year promises to be even better.  I have been married about a year and currently have no children.  Instead, I go home and tell my husband all about "my kids" at school. 

I love my job!  I love working with teenagers, their parents, and other teachers.  I love learning something new every day.  I love studying science, and seeing the world through various perspectives.  I love the animation and life that being a teacher brings into my life and often requires for me to feel successful in my work.  I love looking for effectives ways to teach and interact with my students.  I just love teaching!