"I have had the pleasure of being a classroom teacher, principal and a professor during my tenure in education. As a classroom teacher, I taught in first, third, fifth and six grade for over thirty-three years. As a principal, I was entrusted with the largest elementary school in Mattoon, Illinois. My duties varied in may different ways and I was in this role for over five years. While teaching in a middle school, I taught in the evening at Eastern Illinois University. As a professor, my classes focused on students who were becoming classroom teachers. Each semester when students enrolled, my goal was to give them many different techniques to help them while they taught. Teaching is a passion that I have, for to me, there is no better career. When one can help students achieve their dreams and goals the reward of seeing this happen is so inspiring.

While teaching, I became involved even more during educational conferences. I have spoken to educators and parents in various topics centering around teaching, homework, motivation and the love of teaching. Because of my experiences, I have been awarded many awards over the years including the Teacher of the Year in the State of Illinois, Those Who Excel in Education, Golden Apple Award Winner and I have been selected as Who's Who Among American Teachers twelve times." less...