From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. In second grade, I even competed in a "When I Grow Up" poster contest, illustrating my love for teaching, where I ended up winning third place, and a trip to my state capital (an exciting endeavor for a second grader!). That moment cemented in my mind that teaching was what I was meant to do. 
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After graduating high school, I went to Michigan State University and received my bachelor's degree in elementary education in 2008. Upon completing my internship, I moved to Houston, TX, where I taught fourth grade for two years followed by sixth and seventh grade for one year. After the birth of my first son, I moved back to Michigan where I taught fourth grade for four more years. I am not currently in the classroom, and as such, currently able to spend more time with both of my boys, ages 5 and 7. As my kids begin school full time, and I'm finishing my master's degree, I am looking forward to getting back into the school setting, with a technology driven job.
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Outside of school, I am married with two boys - Owen and Oliver. My husband, Tom, and I just celebrated our tenth anniversary this summer! We have two very affectionate cats, Bella and Daisy. I love summertime, swimming, and traveling. My family enjoys going to Disney World every spring break, and I travel to San Francisco to visit my parents every chance I get! I also love running, and am currently training for a half marathon in April.