Welcome to my professional portfolio. This page highlights my educational background, certifications, classroom experience, research projects, presentations, and instructional resources.
Education & Certifications
- B.S. Elementary Education, ETSU
- Summa Cum Laude, 4.0 GPA
- Tennessee Practitioner License K–5
- ESL Endorsement
- Google Certified Educator Level 1
- CPR/First Aid/AED
Teaching Experience
Kennedy Elementary School
4th Grade Math
Kennedy Elementary School – 4th Grade Mathematics Teacher
During the 2025–2026 school year, I taught 4th-grade mathematics at Kennedy Elementary School in Kingsport, Tennessee. In addition to delivering daily mathematics instruction, I developed engaging, student-centered lessons designed to increase participation, critical thinking, and conceptual understanding. My classroom emphasized relationship building, creativity, and real-world application through hands-on learning experiences, classroom simulations, educational videos, and differentiated instruction. This experience strengthened my skills in classroom management, assessment, data-driven instruction, family communication, and supporting the diverse academic and social-emotional needs of elementary students.
Kingsport Academy of Teachers (KAT) Residency
As a member of the Kingsport Academy of Teachers (KAT), I completed approximately 700 hours of classroom-based residency experience across multiple elementary grade levels. Working alongside mentor teachers and instructional leaders, I planned and delivered lessons, analyzed student data, implemented interventions, and gained extensive experience in classroom management and differentiated instruction. The residency provided an immersive opportunity to bridge educational theory and classroom practice while developing the skills necessary to become a reflective, student-focused educator.
Teaching Philosophy
Featured Lessons
🔬 Gravity Falls Habitat Adventure
🦖 Can Ya’ Dig It? – Fossils & Measurement
🇺🇸 We the People, We the Class
Research & Presentations
Research and reflective practice have played a significant role in my development as an educator. Through literacy case studies, historical research projects, conference presentations, and academic leadership opportunities, I have explored ways to connect student interests, meaningful learning experiences, and evidence-based instructional practices.
📚 Bluey Literacy Case Study
Gilbreath Literacy Conference Presentation
As part of my literacy coursework at East Tennessee State University, I conducted an in-depth case study focused on supporting a first-grade student experiencing challenges in reading, spelling, and writing. Using diagnostic assessments, student-interest inventories, targeted interventions, and progress monitoring, I developed an individualized literacy plan centered around the student’s interests. The project culminated in a formal research paper, conference presentation, and literacy research poster presented at the Gilbreath Literacy Conference.
📜 Library of Congress & Archives of Appalachia Research Project
Constitution Research Poster
Through a collaborative research project with the Library of Congress and East Tennessee State University’s Archives of Appalachia, I conducted historical research on primary source documents related to the United States Constitution and civic education. The resulting research informed the development of a hands-on elementary social studies lesson that helped students connect historical documents to classroom citizenship, rules, and responsibilities through authentic learning experiences.
🏆 Phi Theta Kappa: Honors in Action Research Project
ACEs, Play Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Community Support
As Vice President and Historian of my Phi Theta Kappa chapter, I participated in an Honors in Action research project focused on the long-term effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the role of play therapy in supporting children’s emotional well-being and resilience. Working alongside a licensed play therapist, our team researched evidence-based strategies and partnered with local schools and the YMCA to provide training and resources that could help adults better support children who had experienced trauma.
This project strengthened my understanding of the powerful connection between social-emotional well-being and academic success. Our chapter’s work was recognized internationally through the Distinguished Honors in Action Project Award and Distinguished Chapter Award, reflecting both the quality of the research and its impact within the community. It reinforced my belief that educators play an important role in creating safe, supportive learning environments where all students have the opportunity to grow, heal, and succeed.
💡 Classroom Innovation
I believe students learn best when they are actively engaged, emotionally invested, and given opportunities to connect learning to their own interests and experiences. Throughout my teaching and residency experiences, I have developed lessons that combine storytelling, hands-on learning, educational technology, student choice, and creative problem-solving to make learning meaningful and memorable.
One of the ways I bring this philosophy to life is through Teaching with Plushies, a collection of original lessons, videos, and classroom resources featuring characters such as KoonKoon and ChipChip. These resources are designed to increase student engagement, encourage critical thinking, and create positive learning experiences while maintaining rigorous academic expectations. From immersive simulations and STEM challenges to literacy projects and social studies activities, my goal is to help students see learning as something they can actively participate in rather than simply observe.
Whether creating educational videos, designing differentiated resources, incorporating student interests into instruction, or developing cross-curricular learning experiences, I strive to create classrooms where curiosity, creativity, and meaningful learning thrive.
Awards & Leadership
- Summa Cum Laude
- Phi Theta Kappa Vice President of Fellowship & Historian
- Distinguished HIA Project
- Distinguished Chapter Recognition
Professional References
Available upon request
Stuff Motion Studios 