History

In putting the best writing techniques and teacher tried writing practices together in a thematic course, Rainbow Class was born. I taught the concepts in my own 5th grade classroom for five years. I loved teaching the course and my students loved writing and sharing. Then I was asked to speak about writing at a national literacy convention. Because I wanted to share my unique course I self-published the materials. Teachers embraced the ideas and Rainbow Class went into a second major printing. 

Throughout the year I received messages asking for a follow-up course. After another literature search, Pot of Gold was born. While still teaching and also working for the Intermediate School District in Berrien Springs, MI by giving many workshops on writing, I found a publisher, Continental Press, who took over the publication of both courses. Since 1997 the course has made friends with thousands of students and hundreds of teachers. 

Over the past nine years I have presented my unique writing curricula to teachers attending the Michigan Reading Association Conference and the Illinois Reading Council. I have been invited to give presentations on writing from New York to Michigan to South Dakota to California. Teachers have even adapted materials to students in South America and China. All have claimed success in following the unique thematic approach to motivating students before they write, while they write, and after they write. 

As a high school instructor of writing, advanced writing, and literature, I enjoy consulting with teachers who implement Rainbow Class and Pot of Gold. Through these unique courses, I offer them the best possible writing courses to motivate middle elementary and junior high students to be well prepared for high school writing.