Hi, I’m Steph—founder of School House Rap, veteran educator, literacy lover, and the teacher who always has a picture book ready to spark a powerful conversation.
With over 20 years of classroom experience and certifications in Reading and ESOL, I’ve taught everything from early readers to essay writers. I hold a B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in English Language Arts, and I’m certified to teach ELA K–8.
I believe literacy changes lives. It opens doors, expands minds, and helps children understand both themselves and the world around them. In my classroom, books serve as:
Mirrors—reflecting students’ identities and lived experiences
Windows—revealing the beauty, complexity, and diversity of the wider world
My students engage with literature that honors culture, history, and voice. They learn to analyze, question, explore, and connect. This is reading with purpose.
In today’s world, academics alone aren’t enough.
Children need empathy.
They need resilience.
They need community.
They need space to practice being human.
That’s why SEL and character education are integrated into everything I create and teach. Whether through journals, book studies, morning routines, or writing prompts, my resources help students develop:
Responsibility
Courage
Integrity
Compassion
Acceptance
Perseverance
These skills shape who they become—inside and outside the classroom.
While I am proudly rooted in public education, I also understand that families need flexibility, creativity, and choice.
That’s why I support homeschool parents and create resources that work beautifully at home and in traditional classrooms.
My passion for literacy and student growth led me to launch the BookGarden Learning Pod, a small-group enrichment program designed to challenge:
On-level readers ready for deeper thinking
Advanced readers craving complexity
Students who love rich books, big ideas, and meaningful dialogue
BookGarden is where learners grow through high-quality texts, intentional writing work, and character-building conversations.
I create resources that help teachers, parents, and families bring literacy and meaningful teaching to life:
Reading and writing units grounded in research
SEL journals and character-building lessons
Book companions
Morning routines for reflective educators
Inquiry, research, and real-world writing tasks
Black-and-white printables that are clean, purposeful, and ready for immediate use
My Teaching Philosophy
I believe:
✔ Children learn best through purpose-driven experiences.
✔ Representation in literature changes how students view themselves and each other.
✔ Writing becomes joyful when it’s connected to real life.
✔ Every child deserves rigor, creativity, and respect.
✔ Teachers deserve resources that save time and inspire them.
Whether through my reading and writing enrichment tutoring sessions or the resources I create for teachers, my mission is simple—build strong readers and writers who love to learn.
And yes, I still use picture books. They’re not just beautiful—they’re brilliant. A well-chosen picture book can open a door, shift a mindset, or launch a writing piece that surprises everyone (even the writer).
If you’re here, welcome. I’m so glad we’ve connected.
