Education

• B.S., Elementary Education, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN
• M.S. Curriculum Instruction, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN

Background

Teaching has always been a passion of mine. I absolutely love learning what makes each child a unique learner, and then using that to lead them to success. My favorite part about teaching is developing fun ways for children to learn and grow - especially in the areas of reading. I have taught all ages, from infants to eighth grade, and each grade has given me so many blessings. When I am not teaching, I am relaxing with my husband, Erik, and two children, Joe and Jack. We love the outdoors, video games, reading, and of course Wisconsin sports! Finally, I was blessed to have great mentors as I navigated my way through my first few years of teaching, and I am so excited to be that mentor now to future teachers at Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Teaching

• Educational Psychology
• Models of Teaching Writing in the Content Areas
• Instructional Strategies in Early Childhood
• Early Childhood Assessment
• Emergent Literacy I (birth – 8 years old)
• Wellness and Movement in Early Childhood
• Wide Range Early Childhood
• College 101 and Liberal Arts Seminar 101 (General Education)

Research Interests

My research interests have been largely student-centered. One focus of research has been on early childhood development; that is, what children can understand and be skilled at physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively from birth to age eight. Along with child development is also research on how best a child learns according to their learning style, interests, and abilities. Both of these areas of research are taught in my classes whenever applicable.

Scholarly Works

• Presentation topics include: Connecting Curricula with Themes in K-3, Interactive Writing in K-3, Teaching with Small Group Instruction in K-3, Integrating Play into Standards-Based Curriculum, and Classroom Management.
• Curriculum Development: Differentiation: A Fifth Grade Spelling Curriculum, author.

Service

• WLC General Education Committee member
• WLC Education Teacher Advisory Board Co-Chair
• WLC Education Book Club
• Wisconsin Synod’s National Education Leadership Conference Committee Member
• Wisconsin Synod’s Accreditation Team Member
• Serve in an variety of roles in my church, including: Vacation Bible School, music, and other affiliated grade-school activities

Professional Membership

• Member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children
• Member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
• Member of the Association of American Colleges & Universities