"I have been involved in the educational process for over thirty years, and my primary goal has been to work directly with students to improve their academic skills and self-confidence in learning information. These goals have allowed me to see growth in my students at whatever level I was teaching.

My undergraduate major/minor was history and English. In history, my area of emphasis was Latin American history, specifically in the history of Mexico. In English, it included both writing and literature. My graduate degree was a dual master’s degree in education and history.

I received certification to teach both history and English at both the secondary level and the community college level in California. I was awarded the 1990 California History Teacher of the Year by the Daughters of the American Revolution and the 2000 World Affairs Council Teacher of the Year. I left California and taught at a university in Oregon where I was awarded the Distinguished Professor of the Year in 2013. In 2016, I was awarded the Oregon Civic Educator of the Year.

During all these events, my primary joy has been to see students grow and prosper, both academically and personally. I began teaching at middle school (or junior high), then transferred to the high school level. At the high school, I specialized in AP U.S. history, along with various English classes, including literature and writing. I, also, have taught AP Human Geography at the high school level.

At the community college level, I have taught U.S. history and English, and at the university level, I have taught geography and many education courses.

Currently, I am a half-time principal for a K-8 charter school but will be retiring soon.

I do have experience teaching online both at the collegiate level and at the middle school level (during COVID).

Whether working with students on a one-on-one basis or in a group setting, I believe I still have the enthusiasm to engage students in a learning environment." less...