Directory

It is inspiring to have become an integral part of Moscow Charter School’s vibrant educational program. I have been a principal for over 12 years. Each of my leadership assignments has presented both challenges and rewards. Moscow Charter School (MCS) strives to provide a New Direction in Learning. It will be my challenge to lead the pre-established momentum and keep the program moving forward. I am committed to continuous improvement as it connects to various learning approaches. It is my goal to help to provide Moscow Charter School students with a simulating and inspiring educational experience that connects to the Idaho Basic Standards for learning. My own personal educational motto has always been “I make a difference, I care about education.” It is my sincere goal to impart that philosophy to my role as Principal of Moscow Charter School.

Prior to my appointment here at MCS I worked at the University of Idaho as a senior lecturer, teaching courses on the Master’s level designed to prepare the aspiring school administrators. This helped to give me a unique perspective on what it takes to be an effective principal. I have always believed that the best way to learn something is to teach the subject. Having had the experience of working with many talented future leaders of Idaho education, I saw many creative, unique and effective approaches to the leadership needs of students in a fast paced, technologically advanced twenty first century.

I moved to Moscow from Flagstaff, Arizona where I was the principal at Eva Marshall Elementary. Eva Marshall Elementary is an Arts and Science Magnet School which shares many of the philosophies of MCS.I was also the principal of St. Mary’s Catholic School (Pre K -8) for four years. My private school experience helped me learn to effectively stretch a dollar, raise funds and expect excellence in spite of considerably limited resources.

While living in the Seattle, Washington area, I was the principal of Mill Creek Elementary for four years. Mill Creek was one of the district centers for the Highly Capable Program as well as home to over 600 K-6^th grade students. At Mill Creek I became connected to the application of Differentiated Learning and the teaching concepts connected to teaching the gifted learner.

Throughout my career in education, my passion for literacy, coupled with my strong desire to connect with the field of science education has led to numerous personal leadership experiences. That were connected to up-to-date staff development plans. There is the philosophy that the classroom teacher is the most important part of each child’s educational experience. This belief has spearheaded my dedication to being a part of teacher evaluation and teacher recruitment teams. For me, these goals have integrated resulting in a passion for creating a positive, caring and innovative school climate.

Each day, I will look forward to working with the outstanding staff and families of Moscow Charter School as they help build connections that maximized student learning promises to be the most rewarding part of my job. However, a daily highlight is greeting the smiling children as they arrive at school happy and eager to learn.

With four college educated daughters I have experience the challenges of raising children of my own. I have developed a strong personal commitment to education and life long learning as exemplified by the many degrees that I hold. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Foods and Nutrition Sciences from Queens College IN New York, I received my “permanent” teaching credential from New York State in Home Economics Education K-12. I taught Home Economics in New York and in Pennsylvania where I helped write the Pennsylvania State Curriculum for Boy’s Home Economics. I guess we can say, “Education sure has changed since then.” I obtained a Master’s Degree in School administration from the University of Arizona along with my K-12 administrative credential. My Doctoral degree is in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University where my dissertation focused on the need for Leadership Training in Early Childhood Education.

Moscow Idaho is arguably the warmest home town that I have ever lived in. I feel fortunate to be able to live and work in a town with a Nationally Ranked University that generates an inspiration for learning. I am the proud to be the new principal of Moscow Charter School where I have quickly come to see an enthusiastic and progressive attitude focused on positive development of the young people that make up our wonderful student population..