I am currently in my 4th year in the Wauwatosa School District, my third in 4th grade, and my 12th year of teaching at the elementary level. My first eight years of teaching were spent in the Brown Deer School District.  Developing the whole child is a major component in my classroom.  I had the opportunity to attend a 12 day professional development course at Alverno College relating to character education.  This work reaffirmed the importance of developing social and emotional skills in students.  Perseverance, collaboration, and confidence are just a few skills students can utilize in all areas of school and life.  These skills are not subject specific and can ultimately lead to high academic achievement.  I approach teaching with a definite sense of duty; my students depend on me and I am prepared to do everything in my power to help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.