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My father William graced my life with laughter and enormous fun. He was constantly using his imagination to amuse me by building igloos, stilts, ice skating rinks, and cool water entertainment. Our escapades on Lake Quassapaug are my most treasured moments. I was always fascinated with his ability to have a sense of wonder and humor about all of life's adventures. He gave me my first diary at the age of five so that I could recall all our funny moments. My daily entries sparked a love for writing which is still my favorite avenue for communication. Another extraordinary gift given to me at an early age was my telescope. The mysterious beauty of the sky has evolved and expanded over the years for me. There isn't a day that goes by that I forget to mention in my gratitude journal the incredible sensation I feel WITHIN my HEART when I LOOK UP at all those sparkling stars!
The most profound person to enter my life while I was in sixth grade was a five year old neighbor named Billy. He was just diagnosed with a brain tumor and had very little time left to enjoy this magnificent planet. Billy's wish was to learn how to read. A group of my friends in the neighborhood decided we would make this dream become a reality for Billy. I will never forget how Billy's eyes light up the day he mastered the printed word. It was at that exact moment in time I decided I wanted to become a first grade teacher so that I could give the gift of reading forever! My educational journey now had a wonderful goal to achieve.
My philosophical hero is Ralph Waldo Emerson. His poem "True Success" touched my soul in my college years and his words continue to be my daily motivator: "To laugh often and love much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
I graduated from Our Lady of the Elms College in Chicopee, Massachusetts. I finally achieved my DREAM of becoming a first grade teacher at B.W. Tinker School in Waterbury, CT. I loved this magnificent opportunity of looking at the world through the eyes of a first grader. Their infectious enthusiasm created an incredible place to plant seeds of success. I wanted to continue exploring the crucial building blocks toward making the joys of reading an integral part of every child's life so I received my Master's Degree in Reading from Central Connecticut State University, and a 6Th Year Degree in Reading from Western Connecticut State University. I went back to further my education for those children who needed a multi-sensory approach for all learning to take place and I achieved my 6TH Year+15 Teaching Development Degree, from Trinity College.
The educator that inspired and motivated me the most is Bill Halloran who is a nationally known author, educator, and inspirational presenter. Bill's enormous success motivating students to read and write has made him a sought-after presenter at workshops and seminars across the country. He has dedicated his life to make the art of reading magical with his keen wit and insight. The poem I cherish the most is "Proud To Be A Teacher" written by his wife Phyllis Halloran.
The children's authors I adore the most are Eric Carle and Theodore Geisel. My absolute favorite teaching day of the year since 1998 occurred every March 2 on READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday. Schools celebrated Dr. Seuss by incorporating various creative strategies to foster a love for reading! I always had a special GREEN EGG and HAM breakfast to generate an enthusiasm for the king of rhyming books. A love for reading opens the doors to achievement and keeps our minds exploring.
My most rewarding accomplishments occurred when I was awarded the "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" on three separate occasions in 1996 (Robyn Joyce), 2002(Renee Williams), and 2005 (a student who wished to remain anonymous). I was selected by each of these students because I was a teacher who made a difference in their life.
The most thrilling experiencing of my teaching career occurred on April 27, 2001 when I received the "Disney Teacher Nomination." The arrival of this large white and blue starry envelope made me feel blessed beyond belief. My first grade student Lauren O'Neill and her mom Tracey took the time to write to the Disney Foundation to nominate me for the Disney Teaching Award. This treasured moment truly put me into a state of profound gratitude. The Disney Teacher Award is designed to recognize and reward teachers who motivate learning through creative means. Even though I did not win the Disney Teacher Award I felt so honored to be nominated for such a magnificent recognition of creativity.
I taught first grade at B.W. Tinker School for thirty-five years in Waterbury, Connecticut. I retired from teaching in 2004 and began taking Law of Attraction Tele Courses from Carol Adrienne, Michael Losier, and Jack Canfield which ignited my lifelong passion to write a children's book. The Law of Attraction develops the power of positive words, thoughts, and actions to attract expanded goodness into our lives. FOCUSING on being healthy, abundant, happy, and a state of GRATITUDE will create the mindset of living HEAVEN on EARTH. It is my intent that all children will attract an extraordinary and glorious reality. Now, in 2009 I present my Law of Attraction Children's Book, "THE STAR POWERED TWINS." It is my sincere desire that this book will develop your child's self-esteem by using mega doses of STAR POWERED WORDS daily. Allow your child to explore and appreciate their unique talents and abilities. Your child will view themselves as lovable and one of a kind. Ultimately you will witness a confident, capable, and life long learner. Enjoy recognizing and celebrating your child's uniqueness!
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