I’m excited to share that I’m part of the Data and Research Teacher Leadership group with the Illinois Partners for Teacher Leadership Network. Teacher leadership is strongest when it is grounded in evidence.

Math performance in Illinois tells a more nuanced story than many assume.

I’m glad to see ISBE hosting listening sessions for the second draft of the Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan. Through my work with Teach Plus Illinois, I’ve been focused on ensuring teacher perspectives, early learning, and multilingual learners are reflected in statewide policy.

I’m happy to share that I’ve obtained a new certification: Preschool ePyramid Module Package from The Pyramid Model Consortium! National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations, Trifoia, The Discovery Source

New article out: Strengthening Early Math Thinking Through Daily Routines, Language & Play. Early numeracy grows through everyday moments, not worksheets. Grounded, practical, classroom-first work. issuu.com/ilascdpublis...

I am not flawless. I made mistakes. I learned from them. Growth rarely looks clean. It shows up as a reflection. As accountability. As choosing to change instead of repeating patterns. The best motivation for growth is people who matter. Inspired by The Reason.

2026 focus 2026 is about alignment. Fewer projects, higher impact. Turning policy into practice, centering equity, and building systems that work without burnout.

2025 recap 2025 sharpened my work. Classroom, policy, writing, and leadership stayed connected. Less noise. More impact. Grateful for everyone who built alongside me.

Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan First Draft Feedback forms.office.com/pages/respon...

The problem is beyond education and it's time to wake up.

Shocking!!

Spent Labor Day clearing years of papers, plans, notes, and drafts. Two full bins. I cried. Not out of regret, but from the weight of the effort behind it all. Work matters. So does rest. Let’s honor both. #LaborDay #Reflection #EducatorLife

The Pause Between Action and Reaction So often, we move quickly, responding to emails, solving problems, answering questions, and keeping up with the day-to-day. But in mindfulness, there’s a sacred space: the pause. That tiny moment between what happens and how we respond.

Most of the world uses metric. It's logical, global, and easier to teach, so why is the U.S. still clinging to miles, inches, and Fahrenheit? For our students and our future, it’s time to align with the world. #MetricSystem #STEMEducation #EducationPolicy

PD opened with rock-paper-scissors. Fun, but for adult learners, every activity should connect to a purpose. If it models something useful, great. If not, it feels like filler. Our time matters too. #PDThatWorks #AdultLearning #EducationThoughts

One Small Shift Change doesn’t always start with a big leap. Sometimes it’s a single choice, repeated each day. Drinking water before coffee. Take three deep breaths before replying. Starting a meeting with gratitude.

This week, I’ve been thinking about how we hold onto things long after they’ve stopped being useful. And how powerful it is to pause… breathe… and say: “This doesn’t belong to me anymore.” Whether it’s fear, burnout, or self-doubt You’re not alone. What are you releasing this season?

Sometimes the biggest shift in our lives begins with a quiet decision: To release what no longer serves us. A belief. A boundary we’ve ignored. A fear that has shaped too many of our choices.

District leaders: Are we designing policies to restrict tools or to reimagine learning? If students are thinking with AI, our instruction must evolve with them. This isn’t about catching “cheating”; it’s about creating work that AI can’t do for them but can help them think with. #AIinEducation

This is the conversation we need to be having. Policing AI use misses the point that students are already thinking in new dimensions. #StudentVoice #FutureOfLearning #InstructionalDesign #AIinEducation #MultilingualEd #EquityInEd

Proud to share that I’m now a Book Creator Certified Author! Over the past few months, I’ve developed an 8-book STEM series for PreK–2 students, designed entirely using Book Creator’s powerful, student-friendly platform. #STEMeducation #EdTech #EarlyLearning #BookCreator

The AI Literacy Divide: Why Educators and Policy Leaders Must Act Now www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-lit...

Check out the latest article in my newsletter: AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement Preserving the Human Voice in Education linkedin.com/pulse/ai-too... via @LinkedIn

🧪 Science builds better readers. Not a distraction from literacy—science fuels it. ✅ Teaches academic vocabulary ✅ Builds background knowledge ✅ Strengthens writing with evidence ✅ Prepares students for real-world thinking #LiteracyMatters #STEMinElementary #EarlyLiteracy #EducationReform

Clean Water, Clear Voices — and Global Impact. I was honored to present “Empowering Multilingual Learners Through Hands-On STEM” at the Global Collaboration Playground during #ISTELive and #ASCDAnnual 2025.

At the CSD 2025 Summer Institute, our team designed this LEGO-themed anchor chart to make our classroom culture visible and memorable. From pair programming to celebrating mistakes, each "brick" reinforces the values that support creative, resilient coders. #CSEd #CSDiscoveries #CodeOrg

Did you know that increasing K–5 science instruction boosts literacy skills? Research shows allocating just 30 extra minutes daily to coherent, standards-aligned science curricula (like Amplify Science or FOSS). Check out my article. linkedin.com/pulse/how-in...

Grateful to represent Educating Mindfully at the 2025 SEL Symposium in Rockford. Loved connecting with educators ready to lead with intention. Let’s keep building mindful, sustainable systems together. #SEL #MindfulnessInEducation #EducatingMindfully #TeacherWellbeing

Why Did So Many Students Choose "Teacher"? This month, I asked my 2nd graders to share what they want to be when they grow up. Many wrote “teacher.” When I asked why, their responses were honest and powerful: “You help us learn every day.” “Because you’re nice and listen to us.”

Are you wired for innovation, precision, or rapid-fire thinking — or maybe all three? Inspired by Katy Higgins Lee, MFT’s original Autism–ADHD–Giftedness overlap diagram, I transformed it into a practical growth tool anyone can use — not for diagnosis, but for self-understanding and development.

Thank you to Carly Spina and the IRC for the opportunity to join Wind Down Wednesday and reflect on my recent article, "Supporting Neuroplasticity in Multilingual Learners," co-authored with @mrsdollahsaid17.bsky.social and published by @edutopia.org www.youtube.com/live/EvbbvDx...

Trust yourself, and remember, each day is a new opportunity to grow and thrive.

Embrace your journey. Every step, whether forward or backward, is progress. Challenges shape you, and successes inspire you. Believe in your potential, stay resilient, and keep pushing forward. You have the power to create the life you envision.

Share your thoughts! Inspired by Sir Ken Robinson’s TED Talk. Curious to hear your thoughts: Are schools nurturing or killing creativity?

Possible Future

The Role of Neuroplasticity in Language Learning: What Every Teacher Needs to Know

The Trials and Triumphs of Open Thinkers Throughout History

Q1 for this week’s slow chat! How is AI saving you time this week? ⏳ Share your response using #EduInFocus — and stay tuned for more questions, dropping every day at noon PT.

This is my first #IDEAcon2025 it was an amazing morning building bridges across languages and cultures with my presentation on STEM for ELLs.