I was born and grew up in St. Paul and moved to Rochester two months after graduating from college to begin my career as an English teacher at Mayo High School. I found myself teaching students who were 5 or 6 years younger than I.  Admittedly, it was a bit intimidating at first, and I don’t know if I ever worked as hard in my life to ensure that I had meaningful learning experiences ready for the students each day. But those kids were amazing; I learned a lot from them about what good teachers need to know and be able to do. During that first absolutely exhausting, absolutely exhilarating year I realized that I was exactly where I was meant to be, and I continued teaching for RPS for 40 years.
During that time, I also served in leadership positions including Department Chair, Site Staff Development Chair, New Teacher Mentor, Building Gifted and Talented Coordinator and advisor for dozens of student groups and events.

My three children were born and raised in Rochester, and attended and graduated from Rochester Public Schools. Two of them are raising their children in Rochester. Seven of my grandchildren are currently enrolled or recent graduates of our public school system. I’ve been to more graduation ceremonies than I can count, and I still get emotional!

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• B.A. in English and teaching license, Gustavus Adolphus College

• M.A. and Ph.D. in Education, University of Minnesota

• Adjunct Professor, Augsburg University, Minneapolis and Rochester campuses

• Active volunteer in schools, arts, faith community, diversity activities

• ISD #535 Board Member since 2015

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