I am a published author of many children's picture books, Reader's Theater plays, primary source guides for students, and differentiated instructional materials for teachers. My newest book for teachers, Backwards Planning: Building Enduring Understanding Through Instructional Design, was published by Shell Education in December 2010 and is written as a pratical guide to help teachers plan units of study that are totally aligned to their instructional goals. My recently published William Shakespeare Readers Theater Kit (Teacher Created Materials) for grades 6-12 just won a 2011 AEP Award. The AEP Awards have recognized the top educational resources for use in and out of the classroom since 1967.
I have had a long and very rewarding career in public education. I worked in public schools in NY and NJ for over 35 years; first as an elementary school teacher, technology teacher, as a staff developer, and finally as the Director of Elementary Education for the Hackensack, NJ School District. As I worked, I became increasingly interested in improving literacy instruction and traveled to New Zealand and Australia to bring back first-hand information on the best way to teach reading. With the help of many other dedicated staff members, I was able to optimize literacy instruction in the district. I won a Best Practice award from the State of NJ and was in three editions of Who's Who Among America's Teachers. As for my own education, I received my BA from the University of Michigan in History and two Masters degrees, one in Learning Disabilities from Montclair State University and one in Educational Leadership from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
I retired from public education several years ago to pursue two of my greatest passions: writing books and instructional materials, and working with teachers and school districts to improve literacy instruction.
Professional Development and Author Services
I do customized presentations and workshops on a myriad of literacy subjects for schools, districts, and at state and national conferences. I also provide author visits and book signings. See this site for details.