1. Amazingly talented and creative staff!

2. Strong sense of community among the entire staff and student body!

3. All the new and exciting things I get to learn becasue we are an A+ / IB Magnet School!

Having started with a mostly empty room with only a few desks and chairs; I am so proud of how far the AU3 program at Dillard Drive Middle School has come.

I must say a huge thank you to the families of all the students I’ve taught at Dillard throughout the past 5 years. I could not have been so successful without YOU! I am confident that there are many great things to come for the AU program at Dillard. I know that we have all been part of the beginning of something great!

Although the children are the students in the class, I feel that they have taught me the most. I cannot thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to teach, enjoy, laugh with and learn from your child. The experience has been invaluable to me!

I also have to thank the amazing staff that I had the opportunity to work with. I have learned so much from everyone. I just hope that I was able to give as much as I recieved.

There is one teacher who truly embraced a fully inclusive environment with enthusiasm and finesse. Mrs. Scott is not only an amazing teacher but a beautifully well rounded individual. Emily, thank you for everything you have done since my arrival at Dillard. It is truly appreciated.

Dillard Drive Middle has really come a long way in regard to implementing least restrictive environment and the inclusion of the students from the AU3 classroom in such a creative and positive way. This could not have happened without such a creative and skilled staff. There have been so many staff members over the years who were open to trying something new. I thank those of you for giving that opportunity to all of the students because in these situations everyone involved learns and grows tremendously.

“No one can do everything. But everyone can do something.”
~ Author Unknown

In addition I would like to express my appreciation to the surrounding community! Since I started the program in 2001 there have been many community agencies and local businesses that have enhanced the educational program.

With some sadness and many fond memories I close my chapter at Dillard Drive Middle. At the same time I am exuberantly looking forward to beginning my new chapter at East Millbrook Magnet Middle.

I received my BS in Education degree from Central Michigan University in May 2000. I spent a good deal of time in college. I loved it so much I graduated with 199 credit hours! So I have a major in elementary education with minors in child development and psychology. (I almost added an additional minor in communication disorders; I think I was only a few credits shy).

Feel free to check out my resume.

I am certified to teach regular education in North Carolina grades pre-k through 6^th grade and special education pre-k through 12^th grade. I have my early childhood endorsement even though I’ve found I love teaching at the Middle School level. At one point I was certified to teach in Michigan. However, since I love sunny warm North Carolina so much, I’ve allowed that to lapse. Sorry mom and dad, Michigan is a great place to visit but it’s too cold for me there.

Maestra is Spanish for teacher.

Caliente is Spanish for hot, not, “I’m finished”

As part of our life skills curriculum in my self contained classroom, we were making hot chocolate sometime in mid January 2006. Brian had recently joined our classroom and we were all getting to know each other and new languages. He was learning English and we were trying to learn some Spanish so we could communicate. The activity was going well and everyone seemed to be enjoying their hot chocolate; everyone that is except Brian. I tried to figure out why he would not drink the hot chocolate. He just pushed it away and said, “caliente.” I looked at the other staff in the room questioningly. We just were not sure. He had seemed to want the hot chocolate before he had finished making it. He had already finished all the whipped cream off the top and was gesturing for more. After trying to explain that he could not have any more I asked if he was finished. He pushed the mug toward me so I took it. He did not seem to mind.

As I was driving home that afternoon my cell phone rang. It was Nicole. One of the TA’s in my classroom. She called to inform me the true meaning of the word caliente. Needless to say I could not stop laughing! That evening I began my search on the net for good Spanish/English translation web pages!

I am not of hispanic decent nor do I know much Spanish. However, I’m learning!

I have always had a love for working with children, teaching and learning! I received my BS in Education degree from Central Michigan University in May 2000. I spent a good deal of time in college. I loved it so much I graduated with 199 credit hours! So I have a major in elementary education with minors in child development and psychology. (I almost added an additional minor in communication disorders; I think I was only a few credits shy).

Feel free to check out my resume.

I am certified to teach regular education in North Carolina grades pre-k through 6^th grade and special education pre-k through 12^th grade. I have my early childhood endorsement even though I’ve found I love teaching at the Middle School level. At one point I was certified to teach in Michigan. However, since I love sunny warm North Carolina so much, I’ve allowed that to lapse. Sorry mom and dad, Michigan is a great place to visit but it’s too cold for me there.