Hi, I’m Aimee…a lifelong learner and educator who finds joy in helping others achieve those “ah-ha!” moments. Relationship building, writing, storytelling, teaching, connecting, and mentoring are my passions.
I came to the teaching profession through very unlikely and unconventional means. Oh sure, I played school as a child and forced my little brother to practice his spelling, math, and reading skills; however, I never dreamed of being a teacher. Truth be told, whenever I took those skills/giftedness assessments to see where my talents could best be used and always scored high in “Teaching”…so I avoided that like the plague. I did not want to be a teacher…but life had very different plans…
Unexpectedly, I found my niche in education…I am blessed to be learning, growing, developing, and improving my skills daily and creatively.
Armed with both journalism and German degrees from the University of Missouri, I worked as an editor for a health-science publisher for 20+ years–5 years in house and 15+ as a freelancer after becoming a Mom. I homeschooled my sons until they entered the 8th and 5th grades. Honestly, they both learned a lot, but I learned a TON!!!
I “officially” entered the teaching profession as a substitute teacher when my second husband (the great love of my life) and I blended our families. After a year of substituting and while earning my teaching certificate, I became the in-school detention teacher in a middle schooI. In that role, I honed my organizational and classroom management skills and found that I have a gift for “seeing” those students most at risk and needing a (or another) caring adult to hold them accountable, come alongside them, and encourage them.
Currently, I am earning my master’s degree and beginning my third year of teaching at Odessa High School (OHS) in Odessa, Missouri. In addition to serving as our school’s Academic Interventionist and in-school suspension teacher, I am developing and teaching a new Accountability 101 class for our students who need additional support. In essence, this new class will be a “Super Study Hall” in which students will learn and practice study skills, accountability measures, organizational tips, goal-setting skills, and growth-mindset theory. What excites me most is that I will have opportunities to meet my students where they are academically, model the behavior I expect, and challenge my students to become lifelong learners themselves!
I love to be real with my students and share stories from my own life and experiences. These stories help illustrate points, breathe life into a “boring” topic, encourage open dialogue, and provide moments of shared laughter. I’ve found that this often breaks down barriers and creates an environment of trust. My students know that I care about them and their success.
When not in the classroom (or studying…or planning), I enjoy spending meaningful time with my family. Though our youngest just graduated from high school, our children continue to keep my husband and I on our toes. (Oh yes, much of what I know about children and teenagers, I learned on the job as a Mom!) We share stories, laugh a lot, challenge one another, and grow together.
Teachable Moments 