Tina’s philosophy about teaching is simple. She agrees with Madeline Hunter when she said, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” Many think Madeline was being too “warm and fuzzy” but what she meant was you are not going to reach some kids academically until you first reach them on the “human to human” level. Many times the subject matter in our classrooms can’t compete with the “drama” in their lives. The main ingredient missing in a lot of our classrooms today is a “connection with kids.” Tina believes the research is clear, when students know you value them as a human being; they will work harder for you and challenge you less. She also knows teachers don’t need any more theory and new, trendy programs with catchy names.

Tina believes teachers need to be given research-based, proven, practical strategies and applications that teachers can be implemented immediately – without throwing anything out that is working in their classroom. Tina knows educators have the toughest job in America as they are asked every day to wear many different hats – caretaker, nurse, counselor, teacher, advisor, judge, jury, lawyer – and those just name a few.

Tina understands that students come into our classrooms and schools with different backgrounds and cultures and their cognitive abilities, assets and experiences are just as wide ranging.  Sometimes the only thing students have in common is their age! The “one size fits all” approach does not work today.

Tina also knows the biggest unchallenged assumption by many today (especially politicians) about education is that kids are coming to school willing and ready to learn. As educators, we know this is not the case. We have a generation of kids coming to our schools basically un-socialized. Many students are learning behavior from one-dimensional screens: social media, YouTube TV, SnapChat, random TV programs, video games and a myriad of other influences.

Tina knows that between 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM teachers have the opportunity to make an impact. Tina is dedicated to helping educators be successful through motivation, inspiration, humor and a common-sense approach to stress management. Most importantly, she leaves educators with as many proven, practical strategies as she can. After all, it was a teacher who encouraged Tina to move forward with her education when testing showed differently. And that happened in a classroom, led by an enthusiastic, well prepared, loving teacher where the system provided a solid foundation of learning.