I am thrilled to be back at Schiff Elementary! This is my third year at Schiff. My position includes coaching/mentoring the teachers through modeling lessons or by providing other supports in the classroom. As a member of the instructional leadership team, I am responsible for supporting the ELA curriculum, providing professional development for the staff, and acting as the liaison between our school and district concerning literacy instruction. I also write curriculum for the district.

While I love working with the teachers, this job allows for the best of both worlds; I also get to spend much of the day working with students! I work with the K-5 Tier 3 Intervention students in small-group settings to supplement the instruction they receive in their classrooms. This allows for intensive and individualized instruction that is truly tailored to the students’ needs. We primarily use the LLI (Leveled Literacy Intervention) Program. It uses engaging, leveled texts to integrate reading and writing to encourage all the skills of a successful reader, honing in on fluency, comprehension, and all that those entail! I believe that all students can and will learn- just not necessarily in the same way.

Prior to coming to Schiff, I spent 5 years teaching 3rd grade while being the team leader. I spent much of my time at the district-level, mentoring new teachers, assisting in planning the curriculum, creating/presenting professional development, and serving as a member on various literacy and leadership committees. I also modeled and videotaped lessons for administrators and other teachers in the district. Through these experiences, I realized that my passion lies in being a literacy leader and working with those students who thrive with this type of instruction.

I attended Michigan State University. Through my collegiate courses, I spent time in Kindergarten, 1st, 4th, and 5th Grade classrooms. I then completed a year-long internship in a Kindergarten classroom, while completing my Master’s Degree in Teaching and Curriculum, specializing in Literacy.

When I’m not at work, you can usually find me at the gym or curled up with a good book! I also enjoy being outside, shopping, being involved with my church, and spending time with friends and family.

Happy Reading!