Welcome to My Site

I am the original nerd.  I've loved school for as long as I can remember, and if I had unlimited financial aid I'd probably be a college student until the day I die.  But since that's not possible [sigh], I make do by reading, reading, reading, and more reading.  I also learn as much as I can about adapting and adopting technology into teaching and learning.

My educational background includes a string of elementary schools from Louisiana to Nebraska (I was an Air Force brat).  I attended Forrest Sherman High School in Naples, Italy, for grades 7 - 11.  My dad then did the unthinkable -- he retired and moved me back to my small hometown in southern Arkansas, where I graduated as "the new girl."  (Gee thanks, Dad.)

I did my undergraduate work at the University of Arkansas - Monticello, where I earned a BA in English & French.  You may have seen UAM on a recent television commercial for an online information service.  They're the school with the boll weevil for a mascot.  Yes, they're actually the Fighting Boll Weevils.  But believe it or not, that's not the worst school mascot in Arkansas.  That dubious distinction goes to Fordyce High School, home of the Red Bugs.  I wonder if any other state can boast of having two schools with bugs for mascots?

I earned my MS in Library Science & Information Technology from the University of Central Arkansas (no colorful mascot, just boring Lions).

My career includes 18 years as a classroom teacher in Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas.  I've always taught in small districts and have had to wear many hats.  At one time or another, I've taught English (grades 7 - 12), French, speech, drama, journalism, career orientation, study skills, and gifted & talented.  I taught freshman composition for a community college and developed curriculum for French 1 & 2, which I then taught online for a virtual school for 3 years.  In addition to teaching, I've worked as an editorial assistant and as a trainer/curriculum developer for a non-profit agency that advocates for children with mental illnesses.

My interests and activities including reading (duh!), spending time with my family (1 husband, 1 son, 2 dogs, 3 daughters, 4 grandsons), traveling, and learning new things.     My husband and I spend a lot of time working together to learn new software and applications that we can use at school.  We also enjoy camping, fishing, and boating when we have time and opportunity.  In my younger days I showed registered Paint and Quarter horses, and in my older days I would like to take up painting.  I love art and all kinds of music.