Who is Trace? Introduction with selfie...

Hello! I started teaching in 1987 at Jefferson-Scranton High School, coming out of the blocks teaching AP Lit and directing plays. I spent one year as a high school composition liaison at Iowa State University teaching comp and observing student teachers. I was able to finish my Masters Degree in English, and I had an office in Pearson--legit. Following this I taught thirteen years at Southeast Polk: I loved SEP! My three years at Ankeny High School were my most academic--the scholarly atmosphere with those ELA colleagues in the ELC changed me and pushed me. I feel I did my best teaching there. Then I faced burn out and did what most people don't: I quit. I spent time with family, did some subbing (ick), taught comp at DMACC, and did a lot of knitting.  A LOT of knitting. August, 2014 Gilbert invited me to interview, and I ended up with my dream job with a dream schedule and long ass commute.

At GHS over the last ten years,  I started an AP Lang and Comp class, served as an AP reader for four years, presented at national and state conferences, published in the English Journal and served as an EJ peer reviewer, and received national and state ELA teaching awards. I've sold lot of things on TPT and been awarded two NEA grant opportunities. There are my bona fides, I guess. Right now I lovvvve my teaching assignment: AP Lang (seniors), AP Lit (juniors) and lots of kooky freshmen. 

About me: I am married to a graphic illustrator (Guy), and we have an adventurous amazing long-distance son (Maximus Derivitus Mathicus) teaching math in Thailand, and an amazing artsy daughter (Zoey), who attends NWMS. We have two cats: Ragnar and Raven.  I come from a family with generations of teachers.