About Ms J
West Central High School
In 2011, I began teaching at West Central High School. I teach introductory and advanced computers and I am the High School Tech Integrationist. I have also been fortunate enough to get involved in some athletic events by assisting the production and display of the animated score boards.
University of South Dakota
In 2010, I began my first year teaching experience in the Tea Area School District. I taught 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grade computers. In this position, I was fortunate to work under an experienced teacher as a mentor. In just a year's time, I completed my first year in the classroom while obtaining my Master's Degree in Technology Education and Training.
Dakota State University
In 2007, I decided to make a huge change in my life. Though I had enjoyed the various experiences and vast career paths I had begun to travel down, they were not what I wanted for the rest of my life. Knowing this, I took a leap of faith and began education classes at Dakota State University. In just three short years, I complete my teaching degree with a major in Computer Education and a minor in Business Education.
The Move
In 2002, I was driving back to Valdosta State University from my parent's home in North Georgia. At some point in that five hour trek, I decided to quit school and move to South Dakota. I had no idea what I was going to do, but I knew I wanted to try something new and different. So, in June of 2002, I became a resident of the great state of South Dakota. I apparently like to do things backwards. When I lived in Hartford, I primarily worked in Sioux Falls. Now that I live in Sioux Falls, I work in Hartford.
Valdosta State University
In my senior year of high school, I earned 18 credit hours through distance learning at Piedmont College. Because I had finished most of my high school requirements, I decided to get a jump on my college education. After my graduation in 2000, I attended a state school as far away from my home town as possible, five hours to be exact.
The Younger Years
I grew up in a smaller tourist town in the mountains of Northeast Georgia. I attended Rabun County Public Schools and graduated in the top 15 of my class. In high school I served as Freshman, Sophomore, Junior class Secretary and Senior class President. I was also awarded the Leadership Award for our Senior Class Superlatives.
My Family
I am the youngest of three children. I have a sister who lives in Hartford and a brother who lives in Wamego, Kansas. Both of my siblings are married and have multiple children. I have seven neices and nephews ranging in ages 21-4. These little kiddos are my pride and joy, and I get to send them home! My sister's daughters are students in West Central Schools. While my father still owns a home in my hometown in Georgia, he and my mother were born and raised in Spearfish and Mitchell. Therefore, South Dakota has been a family destination location my entire life. After my mother's passing, my father decided to move back to his "home". He and I currently share a house in Sioux Falls.
Interests and Extra Curriculars
I think I must love to work. For as long as I can remember I have worked two or more jobs simultaneously. Work permitting, I love to travel. I was fortunate to live in Europe for a summer. I stayed in my brother's home in Ansbach, Germany and traveled from there. I also love photography and development. I enjoy playing tennis and I have recently taken up golf. Because my hobbies tend to be more expensive, my participation in them is limited.