Introduction
I have been teaching for over 20 years with over 5 years of teaching English as a second language in Japan. I am energetic and enthusiastic and strive to keep my lessons timely and relevant every year. Being a teacher is important to me so making a connection with my students, families, other teachers, and the community helps me become a better teacher.
Throughout my career in state government, I trained adults and children in computer security and created the first Information Technology Security Training and Education Program for the State of California. I administered the program, developed and gave professional presentations, organized the schedule, and recruited speakers and exhibitors. During my years of teaching in Japan, I have continued to use my computer expertise to introduce online games, interactive board games, and PowerPoint/Keynote presentation games to my lessons. My games focus on grammar, vocabulary, and other English topics and often include funny student-friendly memes and music to reinforce or highlight those topics.
I believe that being a teacher is more than just providing knowledge through textbooks and lectures. It is about building relationships with students, families, fellow teachers, and the community. I prioritize engagement, promote classroom discussions, and help students consider new possibilities. I encourage my students to cultivate their curiosity, take chances, explore new things, and learn from their experiences. Since English is a global language, I often incorporate current events (pop culture, music, videos, entertainment, or news) into my lessons to introduce students to some of the many ways English is used to communicate in different countries. I understand the importance of preparing every student for a successful life beyond school. It is important for lessons to include local, national, and international information, so I make a conscious effort to include appropriate examples from as many different locales, cultures, and philosophies as possible to expand and nurture the students’ experiences.
Watch a short video introduction about me.
