Meet the Teacher

I started my journey in education by volunteering to serve children with special needs. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with children ages birth through 9 in a variety of educational settings. I have always loved teaching and learning. As a learner I have obtained the following credentials: a Master’s Degree in Urban Education, a Type 04 Illinois Teaching License, an English Language Learner Endorsement, a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a double major in Psychology. To keep the momentum going, you can find my nose in a book on psychology or on apps like Duolingo. Currently reading the Personality Adaptations by Vann Joines & Ian Stewart. Fascinating stuff!

Why read-alouds?

Growing up in my grandmothers humble home in Turkey, I would close all the doors that led to the hallway for a make-shift classroom. There, I would read aloud to all my pretend students.

Fast forward a few decades, reading aloud, has a whole new meaning. Reading aloud provides so many learning opportunities. Children learn the very basic skills, from holding a book right side up, to the most complicated, learning content, to the most valuable, to love reading.

That means when we choose books to read, we need a plan and a purpose. What are our objectives? How are we helping students engage with the book and it’s contents? What discussion questions and activities are in place to enhance the book and the learning experience?

That being said, you can always add books in just for fun. I remember one of my professors calling it candy reading. Not much benefit other than the pure joy. For everything else, we plan. :)

Things I Love About Teaching

  • Playing, interacting & building genuine relationships.

  • Creating inviting spaces for kids to curl up with a good book.

  • Encouraging kids to be kind to one another.

  • Seeing students engage and thrive.

  • Spending time outdoors.

  • Connecting with my students even when they are no longer my students.

  • Creating buzz around a new unit of study.

  • Quiet, early mornings to get ready for the day.