I have been teaching since 1990. My first position was at Southside Elementary School in Hollister, and, except for a year spent teaching eighth grade language arts at a middle school in Oregon, I remained at Southside until 2005, when I made the move to W. T. Eich Intermediate School in Roseville.

Somewhere along the line, I've taught language arts, social studies and science--in various combinations--to grades five through eight. In addition, I've coached girls' basketball, served as principal designee, run a migrant summer school, supervised the computer lab, directed the school play, and advised both the school newspaper and yearbook staffs.

This year I'm teaching five periods of seventh grade social studies. In a row. Actually, it's better than it sounds.

I have a bachelor's degree in social science and a master's degree in education, with an emphasis in reading. I hold clear California credentials in both multiple subjects and social science, as well as a CLAD credential. I am a fellow of the California History-Social Science Project.

As an aside, you can now buy Klingensmith gear. I don't make a cent off of this stuff.