I taught for 35 years in inner-city elementary schools in a district that provided world-class training to its teachers. I love teaching beginning readers and mathematicians, but also enjoy helping older readers fill in the gaps that they bring to intermediate grades. I was trained in Reading Recovery back when it was flourishing, and was also well-trained in Balanced Literacy when that method was accepted, but now I am excited to bring the Science of Reading to my teaching toolbelt to help kids develop into strong readers using a research-based approach. I am a certified bilingual teacher, so I am sensitive to second language learners' needs. My teaching style is responsive, lighthearted and fun, and I love connecting with kids. I believe that when we meet kids where they are on the learning journey, with the right knowledge base, we can lead them toward success. Although many people dread teaching problem-solving in mathematics, that is my forte. I believe that helping kids make real world connections to math is key.