Science is my life!! I love to explore the world as I wander the world with my family, friends and students. Learning is what keeps me young!
I was born and raised in north Seattle by a family of teachers. I graduated from Roosevelt High School, and then naturally went on to the University of Washington. In 1981, after a very circuitous route through the schools of engineering, graphic design, fabric arts, and with a brief detour towards geology, I earned both my B.A. and Certificate of Education. My first year of teaching was in Blackfoot, Idaho, where I taught math at the junior high. I moved back to Seattle at the end of that year to get married, and was hired by the Seattle School District. I taught math and computer applications at Madison Middle School for 5 years, 6th grade at Viewlands Elementary for one year, and math at Meany Middle School for two years. During this time I also went back to the University of Washington for my Masters of Education in Technology Education (1987). I moved over to the Lake Washington School District in 1991 to Finn Hill Jr. High to teach math, and in 1995 switched to science, where I’ve been joyfully teaching ever since! In 2005 I completed my National Board Certification in Early Adolescent Science.
When not at school, you’ll find me on a lake fly fishing for trout, backpacking in the Cascades, scuba diving in Puget Sound and the Caribbean, or skiing down a mountain slope. I also enjoy quilting, reading spy thrillers and murder mysteries, symphonies, and all with my Handsome Hubby and Superior Son.
Teaching and Learning Philosophy:
I believe that I am a Teacher of Students before I am a Teacher of Science. I strive to have my kids ask questions like “how do they know that?”, “why is that important?”, and “what would happen if…?” I find these far more important than just facts and procedures. I also believe that students need to know HOW to LEARN to succeed in this world, so that is what I focus on more than just facts.