Meet Judy

I am an International Baccalaureate educator and curriculum leader for grades PK-5.  I empower educators to create 21st-century classrooms so that they have the confidence and skills to create innovative learning environments.

Early in my career, I was deeply affected by a statistic suggesting that 70% of the jobs that grade three students will have in the future have not even been invented yet, making me wonder how I can prepare students best for the challenges and innovations ahead. However, the longer I teach, the more I come to appreciate that those future jobs result from the creativity and critical thinking skills we are developing in our classrooms. The combustible energy from igniting the heart and the mind emboldens our students to shape a brighter future for everyone. For almost two decades now, I have remained energetic and committed to empowering students with 21st-century skills while developing their passion for learning and attitudes toward success.  With an extensive background working with multicultural backgrounds and various age groups, I enjoy creating a fun, warm, and exciting academic environment where teachers and students feel challenged and appreciated.

I have proudly served in the U.S. Peace Corps, where my passion for teaching was solidified. Since then I have eagerly participated and led activities encouraging school community and academic goals.  I have organized and directed literacy summer camps for over 200 K-5 students; coached and led the high school debate club to the regional semi-finals; championed peer-tutoring programs that improved behavioral and academic performance; collaborated with parent committees to solve tough school challenges and coordinated events; and planned school improvement and staff professional development for reaching targeted goals.

Most recently, I have relocated to Shenzhen, China, where I am the PYP Curriculum Coordinator at the International School of Nanshan Shenzhen. In the past, I have used my Googley-ness for tech coaching and have collaborated in the International Baccalaureate’s initiative to “enhance” our Primary Years Programme.  As we look to our next steps in the PYP, it seems that educators are being invited to stretch themselves creatively, and I couldn’t be more excited to be in leadership so I can co-create change with every member in our learning community in that way, we all feel empowered and united in our efforts, living in what I might define, “a world that works for everyone”.

My hobbies include learning to speak Teenager, healthy cooking, knitting, yoga, meditation, and enjoying the great outdoors. I also organize a PYP Curriculum Coordinator Book Club. Because I am passionate about education, I am eager to share information that will improve instruction, so I created this site.

You can see my professional resume here.