AboutMe
I am in my eighth year teaching scholastic journalism and oral communications courses at Millard West High School in Omaha, Nebraska.
Aside from my daily teaching assignments, I also advise the Prowler Yearbook, Ink. Literary Magazine and sponsor the Senior Class Board. Starting in 2017-2018 school year, I will take over as adviser of the student newspaper and broadcasting programs.
I am currently a graduate student at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln working on my Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a specialization in Professional Journalism.
I serve as the Vice President on the Nebraska High School Press Association (NHSPA) Board.
In 2015, I became a Master Journalism Educator through the Journalism Education Association and was named the 2015 Nebraska Distinguished Journalism Teacher/Adviser of the Year.
During the summer of 2012, I wrote high school journalism standards for the state of Nebraska. These standards, put into place in the fall of 2012, are required for all secondary level education across the state. Currently, I am also re-writing journalism curriculum for Millard Public Schools and aligning with state standards, much like I did in 2009-2010.
The Prowler Yearbook has won five-consecutive Cornhusker Awards (an award given to the top yearbooks in the state of Nebraska) and Golden Kernel Awards in writing, design and photography. Nationally, the Prowler has won top honors including All-American, First Class and Hold Medal Honors from both the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). In 2014, Millard West won its first ever State Journalism Championship from the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) and was the 2016 State Journalism Runner-Up.
The Ink. Literary Magazine has received Second Class Honor Ratings from the NSPA.
In 2010, I graduated with my first Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska - Omaha (UNO) in Secondary Education: Curriculum and Instruction. I also hold a bachelor’s degree from UNO in Journalism: Public Relations and Advertising with a minor in Speech Communication and a teaching certificate.
