I have been teaching since 2000.  I worked for two years in Decatur City at a wonderful school, Woodmeade Elementary.  I decided to be a stay-at-home mom until my children were in school and I never stopped teaching them as I was at home.  Birth to 5 is the most crucial time for children to take those first steps in language acquisition to become readers even before beginning school.  I came back to teaching and was so fortunate to earn a position at F.E. Burleson Elementary in 2010.  I taught second and third grade for 7 years and while there, I obtained my degree to be a Library Media Specialist in 2014.  I served for 4 years as the Library Media Specialist and 3 years as the Reading Coach.  I taught 5th and 6th grade ELA at HIS for 2 years.  These experiences have rounded out my experience in all grade levels of my teaching certificate.  I am now excited about getting back to the Library - the "HUB" of the school at HIS.  I recently completed my coursework and received my certificate in Instructional Leadership to be a school administrator. I hope to one day get the opportunity to be a leader in a school. I value my experience in all the positions at the schools that I have served in.   

So many people play an important role in the lives of children throughout their school years.  Next to a parent, who is the most influential to a child, teachers are one of the most crucial influences in the life of a child.  Knowing the impact that teachers have, not only with academics but personally, I strive to encourage and influence younger teachers to make decisions that will have the greatest positive impact on kids.

I believe that all children can learn in one way or another.  Having good relationships with students must be in place before you can teach them.  Establishing trust and genuine concern for their learning and growth is necessary for effective instruction to take place.  With positive motivation and regular encouragement, students can gain confidence to approach anything to learn and master the task.

In my time away from school I love sewing, reading, crafting, learning and teaching new technology, spending time with my family, and Auburn football.  I am married to Jonathan Bragwell (an administrator and assistant athletic director at Athens Bible School and "The Voice of Trojan Baseball").  We have two children in college, Ty and Terra, both Honor graduates of the Hartselle City School system.  GO TIGERS!

I look forward to playing a part in your child's education while here at Hartselle Intermediate School.

#thetigerway