“I entered the classroom with the conviction that it was crucial for me and every other student to be an active participant, not a passive consumer...”
My Story: Since the age of 15, I knew I wanted to work with young people and a career in education seemed the best way to accomplish this. After earning a BA in English from Biola University, I worked as a paraeducator in the Shelton School District. I pursued a Masters in Teaching from The Evergreen State College in Olympia and began my career as a Language Arts teacher in Kent School District. I later moved to Clover Park High School and then into Tacoma Public Schools #Abenation. In 2010, I became a National Board Certified teacher in Adolescent/Young Adult English Language Arts.
After 13 years in public school, my husband and I moved to Abu Dhabi to teach at the American Community School. I work with amazing students and some of the best teachers in the world including my husband, Nathan Gibbs-Bowling.
Outside the classroom, I spend my time travelling, reading YA literature, blogging, co-hosting the Interchangeable White Ladies Podcast, and supporting #educolor.
National Boards Certified Teacher 2010 ASCD Emerging Leader ‘19 Founding member of Teachers United
AP Literature & Composition. G10 English IB Lang/Lit teacher
In and outside the classroom:
I write and podcast about education policy, instruction, and how I try to make the world a better place.
Other Publications & Interviews
Keeping in Fresh. Keeping it Current, The OC for Social Studies 2021
Engaging Students In-Person or Remotely, The OC for Social Studies 2020
Teach Middle East Magazine
Interview w/ Education Rickshaw
Education Post Guest Blogger
Stories from Schools Archive