Personal Biography
I was raised in Aliceville, Alabama, a relatively small town about 20 miles from Gordo. While growing up, my family and friends helped me develop a wide range of interests that helped me to nurture and develop my love for learning. The majority of my time in youth and young adulthood was spent dreaming of becoming an educator. My dreams were further nurtured when I entered high school and was introduced to Mrs. Lewanna Nettles, at the time she was my Eleventh grade social studies teacher. Mrs. Lewanna Nettles (now deceased) inspired me to become an educator, the methods that she used to present lessons to her classes moved me so greatly that I immediately decided that I wanted to teach Social Studies. After graduating from Aliceville High School, several factors influenced my decision to attend The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa including academic quality, affordability, big-time collegiate athletics, top-rate facilities, warm weather and familiarity.
I started at The University of Alabama, but my personal goals were only partially met. UA at Tuscaloosa was definitely the right choice for me, and my undergraduate experiences were fantastic. I really enjoyed being introduced to cultural and ethnic diversity, an intense level of academic and athletic competition, and a lot of unfamiliar, but friendly people (a welcome change after living in a small rural town in Pickens County). As an undergraduate, I spent a lot of time studying and preparing for my career as an educator. I finished my B.S. at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa (Spring 2000) under the advice of Dr. Elizabeth K. Wilson. Her mentorship, patience, guidance, expertise, and ethics were instrumental in helping me develop an approach to teaching, advising and scholarship. She helped me understand that your profession can accommodate your personal passions. I realized my love of teaching while being a student in her Clinical Methods class, and I was certain that I would teach as a profession someday. Two years after completing my Bachelor’s of Science Degree at the University of Alabama, I decided to undertake the task of earning a Master’s Degree so that I would be better prepared to teach my future students. I earned my Master’s degree in Secondary Education Social Science in May of 2003.
I have spent the past 12 years (since 2004) working at Gordo High School, in Gordo, Alabama. During my teaching tenure at GHS I have met several students that have had a positive impact on career as an educator. My goal is to continually provide a quality education for all students.
I hope this helps you get to know me a little better from a personal standpoint. Thanks for reading!
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