I have been teaching in Charlotte since 2002. Prior to moving here I taught both in Virginia and New York. This is my 13th year teaching fifth grade. I have also taught second, third, and sixth grades. Before I became a teacher I worked for several years in healthcare finance -my Bachelor's degree is in financial management. I have a MS in Teaching from the State University of New York at Potsdam. In 2007 I earned National Board certification. In 2009 I earned my Principal Certification, although so far I have chosen to remain in the classroom. in 2010 and 2012 I spoke at the Department of Education in Washington about education reform, and teacher compensation. In 2012 I also presented a paper on measures of effective teaching to the Gates Foundation in Seattle. This year, I am happy to be teaching a wonderful class of fifth graders at Lansdowne IB World School.