Professional Experience
Humanities Program Manager - Kansas State Department of Education
History, Government and Social Studies: Lead and Manage the review and adoption of Kansas’ unique inquiry-based standards, including support materials, and programs to support educational systems.
Teacher Leader Program: Coordinate a team of 22 elite educators who guide the development of educational materials and diverse professional learning opportunities for educators statewide.
Education
1990 - 1995 Kansas State University B.S. Education/History
1990 - 1995 Kansas State University B.S. Education/History
1990 - 1995 Kansas State University B.S. Education/History
2000 - 2006 Emporia State University M.A.T. History
1990 - 1995 Kansas State University B.S. Education/History
1990 - 1995 Kansas State University B.S. Education/History
Professional Development
To support the social studies profession, I have organized, created, and led numerous professional development sessions and workshops nationwide, both virtually and in person. The map to the right highlights a portion of these opportunities. Additionally, I have had the honor to be a guest teacher in many classrooms nationwide.
Professional Collaborations
Master Teacher Fellow, 2012 – Present:
Created and led over 55 professional learning programs, including original, thoroughly researched units and lesson plans. Organized and facilitated distinctive educator programs at various sites and school districts across the U.S. utilizing Gilder Lehrman’s Teaching Literacy through History process.
Notable Projects:
Civics through History: Taking a Stand for Voting Rights
Selected as one of five teachers nationwide to participate in this program. Developed a series of lessons and teaching resources focused on the life, legacy, and leadership of George Washington.
Notable Projects:
President Washington's Native American Policy
Colonial Encounters in the Ohio Country: George Washington and Native Americans in the Ohio Country
What's the Deal? Native American Policy During the Confederation Period
The Kansas Journey, Textbook Reviewer/Advisor/Curriculum Designer, 2016-2020
Lesson Plan Creator, Read Kansas Cards, History and Reading Curriculum Standards, 2008-2010
Content Advisor, National Library of Congress Digital Newspaper Project—2011-2013
Kansas Project Archaeology, Presenter, 2011, 2012, 2013
Chosen nationally to attend the Double Displacement: Exploring the Intersecting Histories of American Indian Communities and Japanese American Confinement Sites in Arizona, October 2024
Five Star Leadership Simulation (Eisenhower Presidential Library), Crisis at Little Rock—50th Anniversary Celebration
Content Advisor and Master Teacher, 2007
Brown v. Board of Education, National Historic Site
Curriculum Content Advisor, National Park Service, 2012 & 2013
Elected Office Holder
Hoyt City Council, Member and President, 2013-2021
- Led the city council through an extensive codification of ordinances to improve governance efficiency.
- Created and coordinated a unique multifaceted debt elimination program.
- Collaborated with local, state, and federal agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic to implement effective safety protocols.
Royal Valley School Board Member, 2017-2021
- Collaborated with board members to champion the academic and social well-being of students, parents, and educators.