I am so excited about being an ELA teacher in 5th and 6th grade this year.  I have served as a teacher at the elementary level, a Library Media Specialist, and Reading Coach at F. E. Burleson Elementary for a combined 12 years.  I worked as a second-grade teacher and multiage teacher at Woodmeade in Decatur for two years.  I also hold an MSLE Therapy Level teaching certificate.   I have a passion for teaching children to read and appreciate literature and writing!

I have been teaching since 2000.  I worked for two years in Decatur City at a wonderful school: Woodmeade Elementary.  I decided to be a stay-at-home mom until my children were in school and I never stopped teaching them as I was at home.  Birth to 5 is the most crucial time for children to take those first steps in language acquisition to become readers even before beginning school.  I came back to teaching and was so fortunate to earn a position at F.E. Burleson Elementary in 2010.  I taught second and third grade for 7 years while there and obtained my degree to be a Library Media Specialist in 2014.  I served for 4 years as the Library Media Specialist and 3 years as the Reading Coach and now  I am in this wonderful teaching position.  I recently completed my coursework and received my certification in Instructional Leadership to be certified to be a school administrator. 

There are so many people who play an important role in the lives of children throughout their school years.  Next to a parent, who is the most influential to a child,  teachers are one of the most crucial influences in the life of a child.  Knowing the impact that teachers have, not only with academics but personally, I strive to encourage and influence teachers as well as remind myself to make decisions in order to have the greatest positive impact on kids.

 I have served as the reading and technology chair of the ALA (Alabama Literacy Association), been a member of the ILA (International Literacy Association), and served as the President of the TVLC (Tennessee Valley Literacy Council) for several years.  All of these organizations promote reading and literacy in the lives of children and adults alike.  The council still supports literacy in our community and surrounding areas by promoting its main project, "New Homes New Books."  Families who have recently moved into their new Habitat for Humanity Homes in Morgan County, are awarded bags of books- starter libraries for the children in the home as well as given gift cards for purchasing more at our local bookstores.  Much of this funding is now given to us by Dr. Teightmiller 's fundraising to help the families in the community.  Children who grow up with books to read at home are more likely to begin school or develop reading skills soon after starting school.

I believe that all children can learn in one way or another.  With the right type of instruction, motivation, and encouragement, students can gain confidence to approach anything in order to learn and master the task.

In my time away from school I love sewing, reading, crafting, learning and teaching new technology, spending time with my family, and Auburn football.  I am married to Jonathan Bragwell (a teacher at Athens Bible School and "Voice of Trojan Baseball").  We have two children in college, Ty and Terra.

I look forward to playing a part in your child's education while here at Hartselle Intermediate School.

#thetigerway