Teresa’s philosophy of teaching is simple. “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care!”  She first learned about Madeline Hunter and the quote in 1986 and immediately bought in to Madeline’s philosophy. Some thought she was being too “warm and fuzzy” but what she meant was you are not going to reach some kids academically until you first reach them on the “human to human” level. Sometimes the subject matter in our classrooms can’t compete with the “drama” in their lives. The main ingredient missing in a lot of our classrooms today is a “connection with kids.” Teresa believes that research is clear, when students know you value them as a human being, not just another student; they will work harder for you and challenge you less. Whether working with dropout prevention programs or gifted and talented students, relationships are at the heart of good teaching.

Teresa believes teachers need to be given research based, proven, practical strategies and applications often seem overwhelming, cumbersome and hard to implement, Teresa shares strategies that teachers can start implementing immediately – without throwing anything out that is already working in their classroom. Educators have the toughest job in America–especially in this post-COVID world; Teachers are asked every day to wear many different hats –mom, dad, nurse, counselor, teacher, advisor, judge, jury, lawyer – just to name a few.

Teresa understands that students come into our classrooms and schools with different backgrounds and cultures and their cognitive abilities, assets and experiences are just as wide ranging. The “one size fits all” approach does not work anymore.

She also knows the biggest unchallenged assumption by many today (especially politicians) about education is that kids are coming to school willing and ready to learn. As educators, we know this is not the case. We have a generation of kids coming to our schools basically un-socialized. Many students are learning behavior from TV shows, video games, social media and a myriad of other influences.

There’s not much we can do from 4:00 PM until 8:00 AM but there is a lot we can do from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Teresa is dedicated to helping educators be successful through motivation, inspiration, humor and a common-sense approach to stress management. Most importantly, she leaves educators with as many proven, practical strategies as she can.