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I'm a teacher and coach! This is my first year at Shawnee Heights High School and I am pumped to be teaching Debate, Forensics (competitive speech), English, and Public Speaking. It's my fifth year of teaching. Previously, I taught at Seaman High School. My pronouns are she/her/hers.

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I'm primarily from Topeka. I went to college in Lawrence at the University of Kansas for both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees, but I've spent most of my time in good ol' Top-city.

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My family is pretty small! I was raised by my mother, who is pictured below. Also pictured is my lovely fiance. Although my biological family is small, I have many friends who I consider family! (Feel free to include friends as family in your own Padlet.)

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Pets are family in my house! On the left is Ozzie and on the right is Pokey. They're both rescues, but Ozzie is probably a border collie and Pokey is probably an Australian shepherd.

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I believe in giving students voice and choice in their learning while using digital tools. This is a style of teaching called "blended learning." I've been professionally trained to work with students to master skills (not just regurgitate onto tests!) while accommodating their interests and learning styles.

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It may look different due to the hybrid learning adventures we are embarking on this year, but I also am a project-based learning teacher! That means we learn by doing in my classroom.

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Sometimes the content and needs of my students (that's you!) also require me to teach in a more traditional style, which can be fun, too. Expect to be engaged in my classroom through a variety of teaching techniques.

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My pals and I play all sorts of board games. Here is a shot of our table when we were playing one of our favorites.

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I love to run, cycle, and lift weights. It's  a bonus for me if I get to do it outside, like when I took a walk at the Governor's Mansion Trail in the photo below.

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My deck is one of my favorite places to be, especially when it's warm and sunny outside. Give me a good YA science fiction or fantasy novel, and it's a perfect day.

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I believe in honesty and vulnerability, so I'm comfortable letting you know I'm nervous for this year. Not only am I new to this awesome school, but we're also entering a new phase of hybrid education. Nerves or not, I am so thrilled to get to do it alongside you all. There is no place I'd rather be.

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I have some great ideas for this year, whether we are in hybrid, remote, or in-person learning. Your educational adventures are just beginning. Get hype!

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In spite of all these new changes, I want you to know, I'm here for you! We are a family of learners in my classroom. If you need something from me, as your teacher, I'm all ears to suggestions and conversations about how to make our classroom a better space.

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The values I remind myself of every day are community, kindness, and health. While there are many values I hold dear, these are the ones I try to emulate with every decision I make.

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Do you like arguing? Becoming smarter? Developing your critical thinking skills? How about getting the chance to become a spectacular speaker? Debate is the class for you! And, in the era of COVID-19, debate is one of the few activities that has successfully moved to a virtual (and safe) environment.

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Forensics (Competitive Speech and Acting)

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Forensics (Competitive Speech and Acting)

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From giving a persuasive speech to delivering a hilarious monologue, Forensics offers tons of events for you to choose from. Each event will give you an opportunity to highlight your skills, show off to the judges, and take home some shiny medals. This activity, similar to debate, has almost moved entirely virtual for safety purposes.

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You love English and you're not satisfied with anything less than challenging coursework at a fast clip. You'll drive your own learning in this blended, project-based, and choice-infused class. We dive deeply into real-world issues like equity, race, and stereotypes. You'll be ready for anything after this class!

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It was my freshman year of high school and my speech was to be performed that day. I showed up early to school and pleaded with my teacher (Mr. Owens) to let me present another day because I was so nervous! He, in his infinite wisdom, held me to my speech. And you know what? It went just fine. More than that, it was my starting point that allowed me to get better at speaking, both conversationally and as a presenter. Speaking well is a learned skill, not a natural one, and I'm here to help you acquire it!