I earned my BA in liberal arts and a preliminary elementary credential from Pepperdine University, Malibu. At CSULB, I received my Clear Credential. I finished my master of arts in Teaching at Aurora University, Illinois. I became Nationally Board Certified in 2007. I have taught kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd and 5th grades. I have taught in Malibu, Hermosa Beach, Naperville (Chicago suburb), and now at LFCSA. This will be my 18th year of teaching.
Learning should be fun! If it isn’t, then I don’t want to be there and children won’t either. We must utilize brain-based research to use the arts and types of memory to help children learn. Children must be engaged and actively involved in their instruction. More knowledge is retained when learners DO, not just hear and see. THAT is how we create life-long learners. We make them wonder, ponder, question and find their own meaning. We simply facilitate.
Children need inspiration. Our job is to believe in them, challenge them, gently nudge them to higher levels. We must coach them to self-monitor and self-reflect to help them become intrinsically motivated.
A classroom teacher must determine how a child is smart, not how smart a child is. Every child has gifts and talents to share with the world. Each child is brilliant in a special way. The real job is to help all children see how they are special.
I am a Christ-follower, so my faith is central to all I do. I love to spend time with my family and friends. I head to San Diego often to spend time with my niece and two nephews (8,7, and 4). I truly love being Aunt Darcy! I love movies, bike rides, dancing, reading, and anything pampering!
