Social Networking

I’m an avid consumer and creator on the Internet, and thus use a number of platforms to learn and share ideas. Besides here at thebooksupplier.com, you can also find me on Twitter, on Facebook, and on YouTube.  Links to my contributions on these networks can also be found in the sidebar.

Professional

I’ve been teaching 8th grade Title I Language Arts in a small town in southwestern New Mexico for six  years. Because of this, I am a voracious consumer of young adult literature. Some of my favorites are John Green, Libba Bray, Lauren Myracle and Steve Kluger.  My favorite book of all time is Matilda by Roald Dahl. I read so much so I can make the best book recommendations to reluctant readers as I possibly can. I am also chair of the Language Arts department at my school, as well as head of the reading committee.

I also teach RDG 525: The Theory and Pedagogy of Literature for Adolescents at New Mexico State University in the fall semester.

Schooling

For background purposes, I graduated from Purdue University–West Lafayette with undergraduate degrees in English Literature and English Secondary Teaching in 2005. I graduated from NMSU in 2010 with an MA in Curriculum & Instruction, with a focus in Language, Literacy & Culture. I am currently enrolled in the doctoral program at New Mexico State University. I am studying Language, Literacy & Culture, with a minor in Learning Technologies. I specifically want to study adolescent readers and their sense of community.

Personal

I’m from Indianapolis, IN. I grew up reading, listening to jazz, playing in various bands and with the show choir (a midwestern phenomenon). I play saxophone, clarinet and flute. A few summers ago I learned how to play the baritone horn (think tiny tuba) and now I’m learning guitar. I like to ride bikes and I hate driving cars and wearing shoes.