1. How long have you been a social studies educator? What inspired you to become one?

This year will be my 21st (and a half!) year fulltime. My high school social studies teacher had a huge impact on my love of history and social studies. I also came from a family that enjoyed history.

2. How is your school approaching classes this year? How are you preparing to teach this year?

As of right now, classes will be online using Google Classroom. I continue to attend professional workshops online to hear the latest that is out there.

I am also big into props and costumes to make the classes interesting. I have been spending my summer getting my items ready for this year.

3. Could you tell us about your involvement with NCSS over the years?

I was an NCSS Board Member from 2012-2015 and the President of the Oregon Council for the Social Studies from 2010-2011. I have really enjoyed working for NCSS on different committees (like the Annual Conference Committee, the Archives Committee, etc.)  and on the National Board of Directors 2012-2015. Something I really enjoyed was going to Capitol Hill to promote social studies to various leaders in the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. I have loved getting the opportunity to work with colleagues from all over the county on social studies issues, and I have especially enjoyed working with the different NCSS Presidents and Board members during my term. I want to thank all the members of NCSS for the opportunity to serve.

4. As a Rho Kappa advisor, do you have any advice for educators who are interested in starting a Rho Kappa chapter? 

Rho Kappa is an excellent program, and a great way to honor your students for their successes in social studies. I would definitely say all advisors should get to know their local organizations. As a teacher, I want to do everything I can to help students be successful. Our Rho Kappa chapter is honored each year at city hall in Rainier, OR, and I want to thank the Mayor and city council for this opportunity to honor our seniors.

5. You have been admired over the years for providing hands-on teaching experiences (taking students to battlefields, dressing up in military regalia, etc.) for your students. Tell us how you got started with these hands-on opportunities.

I first got involved in reenacting at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum in Washington State, where I learned about period clothing, and how people lived in the past. I brought some of those ideas into my classroom, and noticed how excited students got. It certainly is a great way to get students excited about learning.What is your fondest memory as a Rho Kappa Advisor?

6. What is your fondest memory as a Rho Kappa Advisor?

Each year, our seniors get honored at City Hall at a City Council meeting in our town. It is wonderful to see the students get honored for their accomplishments in front of their families and friends. As a teacher, I am always proud of my students' accomplishments.