How have you prepared for the transition from the classroom to the district office?
As a former teacher, I understand the resource and curricular needs of the classroom teachers, so I can better address their needs. I have worked with the curriculum on a daily basis preparing lessons and units for my class.
Now I will be planning professional development to better help the teachers understand curriculum and assist them with ways to teach those standards in the classroom. The transition has definitely been a change but not a drastic one. I realize that I am one of the people making key curriculum decisions that will affect all of the students in our system, not just the ones in my classroom.
Over the past several years, I have held many leadership positions and presented professional development across the state of Alabama, so those experiences have really prepared me to lead our system in curriculum. I know I will miss interacting with the kids and parents on a regular basis, but I hope to be in the classrooms often to assist teachers and demonstrate lessons or strategies.
What can parents expect in terms of curriculum differences from the prior administration versus what you are planning? How will your role interact with Jane-Marie Marlin, who is also a Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the district?
The main curriculum differences will be the implementation of the Common Core standards, especially the language arts.
Jane-Marie and I have already and will continue to work very closely together to make curriculum decisions for all of our students. We want to align what we are doing as much as possible, so close communication between the two of us is crucial. My area of focus will primarily be the elementary schools, and she will mainly be working with the middle schools and the high school.
Together we have planned and will lead the New Teacher Orientation and iCoach training, which is our mentoring program for teachers new to our school system. We will meet with teachers to continue to guide and mentor them through their second and third years in the system.
How do you define success in curriculum and instruction across our large school district?
My goal is to really support our teachers and school administrators so they have everything they need and are well prepared to teach the curriculum and meet the individual needs of each and every student. I have strived to make myself very accessible, so those teachers and administrators know they can call or email me anytime and I will be there to assist them. For me, success means we have done whatever it takes to ensure all of our students are meeting their goals and achieving.
I began teaching at the elementary level in Vestavia in 1999, so I have a great understanding of the system and the expectations. I truly believe that we have the best schools, teachers, administrators, students and community in the state, and that is why I am so passionate about my work. I feel a great responsibility for making it the best place to live, go to school and work.
What might readers be surprised to learn about you?
Many people may not know that I taught seventh and eighth grade math in another system prior to working in Vestavia.
I received my undergrad degree from Samford and completed graduate work at UAB.
I have three sons: twins that are going into second grade at Cahaba Heights and a 3 year old.
I enjoy singing and spending time at our family farm in North Alabama. Also, my husband and I have a few pet chickens.
