Unlike some of my colleagues, I have lived my entire life in the Minneapolis area.  Born and raised in Northeast Minneapolis, I learned the value of a good education at an early age.  My parents graduated from high school, but never went to college.  Their dream for their children was to do better than they did.  I was the first person in my family to attend college.

Because of my parents’ desire for their children to have a college education, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Broad Area Social Studies and Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.  I earned my Master of Art’s in Teaching degree also from UW-RF.  I earned my coaching certification from St. Cloud State University and finally I earned my Educational Specialist degree from the University of St. Thomas.  I also attended the University of Minnesota and St. Scholastica College.

I have had the opportunity to visit 34 states and three countries.  I do not want to visit other countries because I believe the United States has a rich history and much to see and appreciate, from the natural sites of Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon to the Mississippi River.  One day, I would love to visit Alaska and see the glaciers and the tallest mountain in North America (although I would not like to climb it).

In addition to the natural wonders, there are historical sites from the Statue of Liberty, which welcomed many to our shores, to the Alamo, to the Arch in St. Louis, to Freedom Trail.  I have visited Washington, D.C. 19 times and still have not seen everything our capital has to offer.

I enjoy music, playing three instruments, the clarinet (which I have been playing since 4th grade), the tenor saxophone, and the organ.  For seven years, I was our church organist and choir director.  I still play all three instruments and occasionally help out at church.  I still play my clarinet and saxophone on Christmas and Easter at church, adding to the festive occasions.

I have always told my students that it is important to learn because you never know what you will need and what your future holds.  I am entering my 39th year teaching, having been a substitute teacher at the very start of my career as well as spending 26 years at North High School.  I am now in my ninth year as a South Tiger.