What’s your background, and how did you get started in education?
I have always been a teacher. As the oldest sibling, I remember teaching my brothers when I got home from school. I spent my free time playing school. As a child, I would make books, worksheets, and learning games.
I have my Master’s Degree in Special Education. Once my youngest child was diagnosed with autism, I switched over to the regular classroom and have been there since. I have been a special educator, reading specialist, and kindergarten, first-, and second-grade classroom teacher. I am endorsed in ELL and have multiple languages in my classroom every year. I co-teach with our ELL specialist and GT teacher. I love collaborating and learning from my colleagues.
What unique insights do you bring to curriculum design and educational technology?
I just finished my 29th year of teaching. My experience with elementary students helps me design effective, rigorous resources that are fun! I am very good at differentiating learning, especially for high achievers, students with IEPs, and English Language Learners. I have survived many pendulum swings in education and have been able to take the good from each initiative and weave it into my curriculum design.
My knowledge of educational technology has grown so much over my career. When I first began teaching in the early 90’s, only teachers had computers in the classroom. Now I work in a 1:1 school, where the sky’s the limit!
Your learning materials are part of the Boom Passport product for schools and districts. What is the benefit of having access to over 65,000 included activities, including resources like yours, for a classroom teacher?
Who doesn’t love choice? Our classrooms have all types of learners with different strengths. Having access to resources is necessary to reach the wide range of needs in our schools.
Have you tried any of the new features, like drawing with Ink and audio recording in the Boom Studio? If so, do you have any feedback?
I have used the audio recording and love how easy it easy to add sound. It works well, too! I don’t need specialized equipment to use it.
What tips can you share with emerging publishers?
Create! Seriously. 😊 The more you create, the better you become. Test out your resources with students and make changes based on your observations. Have fun doing it!
How has becoming part of the Boom Passport catalog impacted you?
I love Boom Cards for two reasons. They are an efficient way to assess student learning. In addition, they provide students with that all-important practice they need to truly learn something.
As a Premier Publisher, I started off by making decks for my classroom that addressed particular learning needs. I changed these decks over time to better meet the needs of my students. I take great satisfaction in producing high-quality, effective, easy, and engaging resources for other educators.
How do you ensure your materials meet high standards?
Before I create anything, I begin with the standard. Being in the primary world for so long has allowed me to deeply know the educational standards and age group. I create resources with those in mind. Then, I test them out and improve them.
How important is differentiation for special education, ELL, and general education students?
Classroom teachers, especially elementary teachers, have a wide range of students in their classrooms. We want to meet all our students needs, so differentiation is essential. We have students who are learning English, gifted, have learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, are twice-exceptional, and more! It’s not an easy task! But we want our students to feel included and successful, so we differentiate. Boom cards are a great way to do that. Using Boom Cards with pictures and audio helps. I love that Boom Cards are self-correcting so students feel successful.
What are some ways you make your Boom Cards adaptable and inclusive for all types of learners?
As an English Language Learner teacher, I try to make my cards as language-free as possible. I want students to be able to look at the card and know what to do. The best part about Boom Cards is that they provide errorless learning and immediate feedback so students can be successful.
What tips or strategies can you share that help creators make high-quality digital resources for teachers?
Test out your resources and tweak them accordingly. You are never done!
What role can Boom Publishers play in supporting teacher self-care and preventing burnout?
Knowing that effective resources are a click away saves time and reduces stress, two things all teachers deal with. Teachers give so much to others, and it’s vital they take care of themselves too.
Like these activities? They’re included with Boom Passport! Learn more at info.boomlearning.com/boom-passport.
