Greetings and Welcome!<\/h4>\n

And thank you for visiting my website.<\/p>\n

When I began my college education in 1968, I knew I wanted to be an English major, but had absolutely no idea what I \u201cwanted to be when I grew up.\u201d Fortunately, as a freshman at California Lutheran College\u2014and in need of a job\u2014I managed to land a position at a local elementary school.<\/p>\n

Imagine my surprise to discover that I actually looked forward to going to work! Every day was fun for me as I talked with kids during their lunchtime and at recess. Before long I was \u201chooked\u201d and so dedicated myself to doing everything in my power to earn the privilege of having my very own classroom.<\/p>\n

During my senior year (and California\u2019s required \u201c5th year\u201d), I worked as a classroom aide\u2014what is now called a \u201cpara-professional.\u201d I loved helping kids with their learning, especially when engaging in one of those treasured \u201cteachable moments,\u201d or if some child experienced an \u201caha moment\u201d when the proverbial lightbulb went on! I chose this career and have no regrets.<\/p>\n

I am now a retired educator\u2014a former elementary school teacher, elementary principal, and Indiana University professor who taught social studies methods and classes designed to prepare future teachers for teaching in increasingly multicultural schools.<\/p>\n

Throughout the years, I have shared my story with students of all ages in schools, churches, and Boys\u00a0& Girls Clubs. It is a story about civil rights unrest, President Kennedy\u2019s assassination, and teenage traumas. Those events ultimately triggered my conversation with Dr.\u00a0Martin Luther King\u00a0Jr. The story remains relevant today.<\/p>\n

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