Greetings! I am the new PK-12 Principal but I am no stranger to Isle Schools. I have been teaching high school Social Studies here for 16 years. My teaching license is for grades 5-12 and I have taught 7th Grade American History, 9th Grade World History, Anthropology, Ojibwe History, and Human Geography.
Before I became a teacher, I was a professional archaeologist.. A drive to settle into a more sedentary existence and an interest in passing on my love of history, led me back to school and to Minnesota to teach. My teaching philosophy revolved around critical thinking and problem solving through project based education. I received my original undergraduate degrees in Anthropology and Geography from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC and did master’s work in Anthropology and Museum Studies at George Washington University in Washington, DC. During my archaeological career I worked in 11 states, most in the East and Midwest, and worked on sites that dated from Early Archaic prehistoric to 20th century Iowa farmsteads. I met my husband working on a dig in Iowa. Though our careers as archaeologists were challenging and fascinating, we decided to end the constant travel and move north to Minnesota, my husband’s home state.. I received my teaching degree from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud in 2003. I have a Master's in Education Leadership from St. Mary's University of Minnesota and earned my Graduate Certificate in Administration in 2021. My husband and I purchased a 115 year old home in Mora and are in the process of restoring it’s charm. I enjoy spending time gardening, photography, reading, traveling and just being outside. I am also an avid hunter and love to fish. I love to travel throughout the United States and the world. My husband and I are big“road trippers”. I have had the honor of leading students on tours of Europe in Feb 2009, 2011, 2014, and 2017. We have a 2023 trip planned to Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France in March.. I am looking forward to meeting you all and working together to support the needs of all students |