About

About Me

Hi, I’m Dawn.

Having spent my entire career in the education field in a number of positions, I am now dedicated to helping you succeed and become a thriving and happy teacher.

I was a teacher for seventeen years and a Principal for ten years, so I understand many of your challenges while also having insight into the administrative end of the education world.

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Let me help you…..

I’d like to take this opportunity to give you my FREE downloadable list:

“101 Teacher Tips; Your Ultimate List to Teaching”. Just complete the form below and I will zip it right over to your email box.

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My Path to being your Teacher Buddy

My path on the education road began as an elementary teacher, my favorite grade of all was first grade.  I taught many other grades along the way for various reasons (with the choice to move being mine).

I remember my first two years being a whirlwind, wondering if I could juggle all things and remain afloat.  During my 32 years in education, I have gathered a wealth of experience that I know you can learn from.

The Administrator

I was an elementary school administrator for 14 years; for me the best part of administration was working with fabulous teachers daily.  I loved nurturing their careers and watching their skills grow. Teaching is an “ART”.

I created a time slot where I could hold bi-weekly team meetings with each grade level.  These times were special to me since they enabled teachers to work together to become even better teachers.  

The difference was evident in the grade level teams that truly collaborated compared to the ones that remained isolated in their own rooms, afraid to help one another.  I believed at the time (and still believe today) that it “takes a village” to become a great school.  That teachers working together can do great things.

Now, if this reality is not your reality, it’s okay, you can still be successful.  And hopefully, some of the information on this blog will be an inspiration for you to improve and grow your skills and knowledge.

My Teaching Career

In my teaching career I taught every grade from Kindergarten to sixth grade.  I bragged about this when I was interviewing to be an administrator – mostly because I wanted the interview panel to know that the movement between different grade levels was my choice.

You see, I loved to try new things. I was very fortunate in my student teaching to gain valuable experience in a variety of grade levels which fully equipped me to change grades when I felt the urge.

Along the way I married and had three wonderful children who have grown and given me some wonderful grandchildren to love and spoil.

Retirement – Well, I Guess Not

After my fourteen years as an administrator, I decided to retire from that school system due to a long drive to work which was beginning to affect my health and quality of life.  

But then I got stir-crazy at home and decided to search for another position.  I began working as a Grant Director at the local Community College, and have been working here for five years now. 

One of my articles that best shows how I feel about the education world is here for you to read first, if you’d like: “17 Golden Rules of Teaching.”

As you can see, my career path has taken some winds and turns, and now, a hundred years later (wink) it has given me the knowledge and confidence to become your TEACHER BUDDY and help you on your own path.

I’m glad you’re here to join me!