In addition to teaching, I am the advisor for the Edison Key Club, and co-advisor for the TAE/Cohen Middle School Ski/Board club. I have taught in the Elmira Heights School District for 19 years. I was very honored to be the recipient of the Star Gazette Educator of the Month in May of 2006.
I am married to Andy Lutz, who also works for the Elmira Heights School District (Athletic Director and Interim Cohen Elementary Principal). We have a 5 year old daughter, Maren. I like to listen to ABBA, Great Big Sea, and Old Crow Medicine Show. My favorite TV shows are Monk, Fringe, and Law & Order SVU. I enjoy Earth Science-related activities outside of school, including hiking, kayaking, camping, skiing (cross-country & downhill) & geocaching.
I have wanted to be a teacher since I was 8 years old. My dad even built me a little red schoolhouse to play school as a kid. I enjoy teaching and earth science topics so I am working my dream job at TAE.
I am very concerned with the condition of our planet. I DO believe that we are part of the global warming problem, (and other problems) and that every little thing that we can do to help makes a difference! In Key Club, we do a road cleanup day twice a year near the Domes in Horseheads. I compost all of my food scraps at home (using natural decomposition and also a worm bin). I hope that, although small, these contributions will help keep our planet beautiful (and habitable) for my daughter and her children in the future. I hope that through this course, you will have an appreciation for the beauty of our planet, and will develop a sense of stewardship for the Earth as well.