It is an honor to run for Cañon City School Board. I have spent thirty years of my 32 year teaching career right here in Cañon City. It has been fulfilling, challenging, and inspiring! Watching kids and families grow, seeing students discover the importance and joy of learning and being part of a school district that has always followed their belief in Learning for Life has been a blessing. I look forward to again being part of Cañon City Schools to contribute to and be of service to our community. Above all, working in education is a DUTY of CARE for each and every child for their health, safety, and preparation for life.
In 1992 I was given the opportunity to write a School of Choice grant through the Colorado Department of Education. We received the grant and the Exploratory model was born. It began with 30 fifth graders in a classroom at Lincoln Elementary. Now, in 2021 the model I created is a full K-8 school that follows the same practices of student projects (Explorations), Multiple Intelligences Theory, Multi-Age Classrooms, and a positive school culture through William Glasser’s Choice Theory. Some of what I learned includes:
* Students teach us as much as we teach them. Watching students learn and the challenges they faced taught me what teaching really means.
* Student choice in learning is motivating and empowering.
* Listening is the most important role of a leader.
* The number one job of anyone in education including school board members is a Duty of Care for EVERY student in the district.
* The most important skills in school and life are critical thinking, problem solving, effective communication, creativity, collaborating, and flexibility.
*Community collaboration and support make all the difference!
* Students teach us as much as we teach them. Watching students learn and the challenges they faced taught me what teaching really means.
* Student choice in learning is motivating and empowering.
* Listening is the most important role of a leader.
* The number one job of anyone in education including school board members is a Duty of Care for EVERY student in the district.
* The most important skills in school and life are critical thinking, problem solving, effective communication, creativity, collaborating, and flexibility.
*Community collaboration and support make all the difference!
My two daughters (both teachers) attended Washington Elementary, CCMS and CCHS. What a great day when my oldest granddaughter started kindergarten at Cañon Exploratory School! I have two granddaughters who have attended CES!
With my experience I understand the complexities of a school district and the interrelationships of all the departments and people who make it work for the benefit of our kids. I am committed to quality education and truly believe in the positive contribution I can make for--
Our Kids, Our Schools, and Our Future |