2008-2010 I was able to learn instructional design under the direction of some of the best, most dedicated educators. The staff at Utah State University allowed me to soar as I built courses and shaped education under their guidance. My courses ceased being theoretical and started being meaningful as I learned how theory and practice weave together in quality, well-designed classes. I was able to build dozens of courses solely for distance education, and then moved on to live, web-based courses. Every part of the ADDIE model was a seamless and natural part of our department, with special emphasis on design and development. I have learned the Blackboard Vista format and have seen incredible possiblities for customization and accessibility.

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2000-2006 The six years I spent at Midvale Middle School were phenomenal. I enjoyed working with students as a guide and mentor. I enjoyed coming up with new ways of teaching that would keep the interests of the teen population. I worked with other faculty members to shape the gifted and talented program. We doubled the number of students in the department in the time I worked there, and saw the implementation of enrichment homerooms. I also served as advisor to the debate program, and was able to lead the students to winning many personal awards. Every year we had students win the district competitions and proceed to the state competition, often receiving awards. I taught science to the general population, and to gifted students in both seventh and eighth grades. The emphasis was on excellence, and the methods of teaching were varied. Every year, new demonstrations and activities were added. I enjoyed teaching, but left to further my education.

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1999-2000 My teaching internship took the place of my student teaching. I was plunged into the teaching experience and had to sink or swim. I learned many things that didn't work, and many things that did. My favorite part of this experience was the difference I could make with my students. While not fully skilled with methods yet, I learned about the best ways for me to work with students. I still value all I gained there. After this year, I was better able to understand what makes instruction meaningful, the role of standardized curriculum, classroom management, and the personal roles of educators. I spent the next few months polishing my skills and developing a web presence.

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1998-1999 While at BYU, I was first exposed to HTML programming. While this was standard for all educators, I kept with it, learning the nuances and codes I hadn't learned before. After I had grown proficient in HTML, I worked in the distance education department at BYU making online courses. This was the first time I made web sites professionally, and I learned the importance of standardization and customizable styles. My speed and knowledge increased, and I learned some of the fundamentals of JavaScript. While this only lasted a year, it started me on the path toward instructional design.

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1996-1998 I always enjoyed learning, but the first time I taught professionally was in the learning disabled program at Pleasant Grove Junior High. I had many preconceived notions before starting in the program. I hadn't worked with special needs students before, but learned quickly how different the needs of the individual students are. I also learned to look past labels and stereotypes, and saw that these students could also achieve greatness, but only needed more time and guidance. I learned to love teaching, but I also learned to love students.