English Language Arts 6, Excel Academy

Conference Periods: 4A and 3B

Ms. Blackwell is a 6^th grade English Language Arts teacher in the Excel Academy.  Having developed a love for reading and writing at a very young age, she brings her lifelong passion for learning to the classroom. She sincerely believes that all children possess the ability to do and be amazing things. Ms. Blackwell is committed to her role as an advocate for the fair and equitable education of all children and strives to ensure that her students are afforded every opportunity to realize academic, social, and emotional success.

Ms. Blackwell received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas and later received a Master of Business Administration in Educational Leadership from University of St. Thomas. Prior to becoming an educator, she enjoyed two successful careers, one as a probation and parole officer for the state of Missouri and the second as a liaison officer for the Consulate General of Turkey in Houston.  She has taught reading, English Language Arts, creative writing, social studies, and theater arts in all grade levels of middle school.  After having served three years as a Teacher Specialist for reading at the elementary level, she is now in her fifth year teaching sixth grade English Language Arts after rejoining Burbank's staff.

In her free time, Ms. Blackwell loves to travel and explore new cultures. She has two children, five grandchildren, and lives with the love of her life, a feisty eight-pound Chihuahua named Maxx.