I grew up in both Decatur, Georgia and Cherokee County, and attended the University of Georgia after participating in joint enrollment during my senior year of high school. I attended UGA, and took advantage of the opportunities afforded by the honors program and the study abroad Oxford Program. After a brief stint working in Atlanta after college, I returned to UGA to participate in their intensive UGA-Nets teacher certification program and earned my master's degree. During this time, I was sent to Washington-Wilkes High School for my practicum, and I ended up returning a year later to teach for what became 14 years. During my time there, I enjoyed being a mentor for new teachers, and working collaboratively with Special Education teachers in co-taught English classes. I was also awarded Teacher of the Year for the high school at the end of my tenure. After having two boys, I wanted to pursue a career closer to home in Athens, and the opportunity to work at Oconee High School presented itself. I have taught in Oconee for the last 4 years, teaching both gifted and college-prep courses in 9th, 10th and 11th grades. I am also a co-sponsor of Beta Club here at OCHS. I have my Specialist degree in Instruction and Curriculum, and am certified in Gifted Education, Special Education, ESOL, and AP Literature. My guiding teaching pedagogy is that all students, no matter their background, should be challenged in the classroom, and that a teacher who believes in their abilities and provides support can help them achieve far more than they typically think they are capable of.