Mentor Biography

2024, 2013-2016

In 1978 I graduated with a double BA in bilingual/bicultural and elementary education with minors in Spanish and theater. On the heels of graduation, I took a job for 6 years with Harrison School District in Colorado Springs as a bilingual teacher in third and then second grade. During that period, I earned my Master's in bilingual/multicultural elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado. Taking a hiatus from full time teaching, I attended the University of Colorado Boulder to complete my Ph.D. in Social and Multicultural Foundations of Bilingual Education, subbing for Boulder Valley schools as I studied. Then I moved to Yakima, Washington to work for the Migrant Education Regional Office providing bilingual/ESL instructional and program support for school districts in the region. Overcome by the eastern Washington heat, I jumped at the chance when a similar job opened with Interface Multifunctional Resource Center in Anchorage. Alaska was a natural fit as I enjoy the adventure of traveling and working around the State. When grant funding ran out, I accepted a job with the Anchorage School District as an elementary bilingual resource teacher, middle school language arts and ESL teacher, ESL specialist, teacher mentor. I worked for ASD for 21 years. 2013-2016 I mentored with ASMP in rural communities. I then served 8 years as an associate professor, program advisor coordinator, and student teacher supervisor with the UAS Graduate Elementary Programs.

Mentoring is an opportunity to start where teachers are, to capitalize on their strengths, and support their needs and goals as they build their capacity and agency to best meet the needs and goals of their students.

Finally, I say thank you to all the students I have known, from all the places and classes, who have taught me more than I ever thought possible. I look forward to repaying you (in a good way) by leaving ever better teachers, for you, in my wake.