~ Yoda ~

If you are new to my classes ... I'm sorry.  I must warn you that I am not a "normal" teacher.  I've tried to be normal, but it just doesn't suit me.

Background


I graduated from Indian Creek High School in Trafalgar, IN (that spells raglafart backwards) in 1993. 

I then attended Taylor University (TU rocks!) in Upland, IN, graduating in 1997 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Jr-High Science.

I began teaching at Riverton Parke with the start of the 1997-1998 school year and have been here ever since.  During that time I have also earned my Masters of Education degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.

I am the FCA huddle coach in addition to teaching 7th and 8th grade science.  I also coach the junior high science academic team.

Family

I have been very happily married to Ben since December 2000.  Ben is a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and is currently attending Lincoln Christian College.  He is the Assistant Technology Coordinator for Southwest Parke Schools.


Our beautiful daughter, Anna,
was born in March of 2004. 
She enjoys singing, art and being outside.


Tragedy struck our family in June 2005 when our second child, Grace Marie, died during a fetal surgery.  Click here to read Grace's story.

 

 
Yes, that smile means he's up to something.  Ethan was born in June of 2007.  I spend 90% of my time away from school chasing this crazy kid.

The Story of Yoda


Many of you have asked me "What's up with this Yoda thing?"  Well, it all started in the 02-03 school year when a student (whose identity shall remain protected) needed help with a homework question.  Here's how the conversation played out that led to my nickname:

STUDENT: (concentrating really hard on the question, raising his hand, very serious tone) "Yoda, I have a question."
MRS. PORTER:  "Did you just call me Yoda?" 
STUDENT: (with a little smile on his face) "Yeah, I did"
MRS. PORTER: "Why?"
STUDENT:  "Because you are wise"
MRS. PORTER:  (Thinking: this is a kid I like!)
STUDENT:  "And short."
MRS. PORTER:  (thinking:  he should have stopped while he was ahead!)
STUDENT:  "And old."
MRS. PORTER:  "Ok!  That's enough.  You'd better stop before you get to 'green'"

The class was dying laughing by this point and the nickname stuck.  They called me Yoda the rest of the year.  So, thanks to the fun Period 3 eighth grade science class of 2002-2003, I am now known as Yoda.