About Me...I am a life-long learner who loves working with children, learning about history & nature, and the “art” of teaching. I am certified to teach Kindergarten through 12th grade. Being an Arizona native, I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education, with a specialization in History, from ASU West. In addition, I received my Middle Level Endorsement, which focuses on grades 5 through 9. I also have my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from NAU, and a Gifted Endorsement that I completed at Ottawa University. |
Having been with the Deer Valley School District since 2001, I have taught 3rd grade as well as all grade levels five through eight. I have been a Gifted Cluster Teacher for many years, and this will be my second year as the SAGE (Gifted Pull-out Teacher). I am excited to be at Canyon Springs again this year and to continue having my focus being on teaching our gifted children. I am looking forward to this school year and eager to continue spreading the joy of learning to my students.
In addition to teaching this year, I am also active on campus helping with the Campus Improvement/Leadership Team, chairing the Stakeholder's Satisfaction Team, working on various committees, and being the Faculty Co-Sponsor of the Environmental Club. Being the Gifted Services Coach, I work with all of the Gifted Cluster Teachers to ensure all of our gifted students are having their needs met. I also team teach with the cluster teachers and facilitate staff development and training to help them earn their Gifted Endorsements. I also work with our first and second grade gifted students twice a week.
Throughout my busy days, I am continuously promoting the importance of gifted education, the meaningful inclusion of increased technology in the classroom, and doing whatever we need to do to make Canyon Springs a truly great school for our children. In my free time, I enjoy learning new things, reading a good book, being with nature, and hanging out with my dogs.
In addition to teaching this year, I am also active on campus helping with the Campus Improvement/Leadership Team, chairing the Stakeholder's Satisfaction Team, working on various committees, and being the Faculty Co-Sponsor of the Environmental Club. Being the Gifted Services Coach, I work with all of the Gifted Cluster Teachers to ensure all of our gifted students are having their needs met. I also team teach with the cluster teachers and facilitate staff development and training to help them earn their Gifted Endorsements. I also work with our first and second grade gifted students twice a week.
Throughout my busy days, I am continuously promoting the importance of gifted education, the meaningful inclusion of increased technology in the classroom, and doing whatever we need to do to make Canyon Springs a truly great school for our children. In my free time, I enjoy learning new things, reading a good book, being with nature, and hanging out with my dogs.
Won 2014 AZ Gifted Teacher of the Year!
|
So, what does Cleo want to tell us about Mr. L?
This is Cleo...
I adopted Cleo in August 2010 after my dog Sulla died. Cleo (short for Cleopatra) is a Shar Pei/Rottweiller mix. Although she was turned into the animal shelter twice, she has adjusted well. She is a great dog and is getting along well with my other dog, Caesar.