Teaching & MLLs

As a teacher, I specialize in working with reluctant/struggling readers, English learners, newcomers, students with disabilities, overaged/socially promoted students, and any other individual who has seldom felt seen. I have created classrooms from grades 6-12+ where students could feel safe, represented, and often challenged. Literature was my medium of choice with horror (old and new) always making an appearance.

Teaching is about making connections, and I have found that some of the strongest and most universal connections have come through sharing stories whether benign or terrifying.

I have over twenty-five years of teaching English at all levels with newcomer language learners, Students with Interrupted/Limited Formal Education (SIFEs/SLIFEs), and Long-Term English learners as the populations with whom I have the most experience. 

Identification and Assessment

Interpreting Policy/Translating Policy into Practice

High School Newcomers/Multilingual Learners

Literature as Language Instruction

Instructional Strategies for Content Teachers

Cross-Cultural Connections Through Horror Literature and Folklore

I have presented on horror, gothic literature, language, literacy, and teaching at regional and national conferences, including NCTE, NCSS, and La Cosecha. In 2026, I will also be a panelist at StokerCon, where I look forward to joining broader conversations about horror, literature, education, and the cultural work of fear.

In addition to conference presentations, I design and lead professional development, workshops, and trainings for pre-service and in-service teachers. These sessions focus on using genre literature to support critical reading, writing instruction, language development, student engagement, cross-cultural understanding, and meaningful classroom discussion. Whether working with future teachers, classroom educators, or public audiences, my goal is to make spooky stories useful, rigorous, and just unsettling enough to keep everyone awake.