I've been teaching since 1972 when Mrs. Madigan, my fist grade teacher, gave me the responsibility leading one
of the reading groups. I've been teaching in public schools since 1989. As a teacher I am known for my work
with high school readers and writers. As an instructional leader, I designed, piloted, and implemented a
Reading Writing Center concept at University High School. One side of the center was a classroom where I
offered demonstration lessons to all content teachers and their classes. The other side of the center was a
literacy help center run by and for students. The model was adpoted by Orange County Public Schools and
listed as a recommended best practice in Orange County's League of Educational Excellence. I recently moved
to Cypress Creek High School where I will teach AVID research classes and volunteer in the writing center.

I earned both my Bachelor of Arts and my Master of Arts in Literature from Florida State University. In 2001,
I completed a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction with Janet Allen at the University of Central
Florida. I am a National Board Certified Teacher and endorsed in gifted education.

I am devoted to professional development. My online graduate course, Preparing for National Board and
Beyon
d, is offered nationally by Teacher Education Institute. I am often invited to speak to teachers and
professional associations in my district and across the country. I have presented nationally for more than a
decade with Janet Allen as well as in my district and state. With colleagues, I have presented day-long
pre-conference institutes for International Reading Association and the Secondary Reading Conference.
Continually learning, I trained with the College Board and scored the new essay portion of the SAT. I am an
avid reader and writer, reviewing articles and books for professional journals and publishers fuels these passions.
Most recently I have worked as a co-writer and senior developer on Janet Allen's Plugged-In to Reading
program published by Recorded Books.