I am a passionate educator, curriculum leader, and lifelong learner with over a decade of experience teaching history, geography, and civics across diverse educational settings - rural, suburban, and urban. While I have not taught in international schools, years of living and working abroad have shaped my global outlook and deepened my commitment to culturally responsive and globally minded education.
Military Leadership Background
Before transitioning into education, I served 20 years in the U.S. Army, where I developed strong leadership, strategic planning, and team-building skills. My military career took me around the world, including a three-year NATO assignment in Italy and a deployment to Iraq. These experiences inform my approach to education and curriculum design with a global perspective.
Educational Philosophy & Expertise
As an educator and instructional leader, I specialize in designing interdisciplinary, project-based learning that connects classroom content to real-world issues. I am dedicated to supporting multilingual learners, integrating educational technology with purpose, and promoting student voice, agency, and collaboration. My teaching centers on inquiry, innovation, and inclusion, helping students build critical thinking and digital literacy skills essential for the future.
Credentials and Certifications
I hold a Utah state teaching license. I also hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the United Kingdom. Previously, I held teaching licenses in other U.S. states that have since expired.
My academic credentials include:
M.A. in History
M.S. in International Administration
B.A. in History and Social Science (with a minor in Political Science)
I also hold endorsements in Educational Technology, ESL, Reading Intervention, and Teacher Mentoring.
Professional Contributions and Leadership
Outside the classroom, I am an active presenter, advocate, and thought leader. I have presented at conferences such as the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET) and contributed as an ambassador, curriculum judge, and collaborator for national organizations including iCivics, National History Day, and the Council on Foreign Relations. I am committed to advancing civic education and global learning opportunities for all students.
Personal Interests
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, learning new languages, researching family history, and spending time outdoors. Proud of my small-town farm roots in northern Michigan, I bring a grounded yet global perspective to every educational role I undertake.
My Goal
Whether collaborating with students, educators, or education leaders, my goal remains constant: to design and deliver learning experiences that are relevant, rigorous, and transformative.