Teaching was not my first nor is it my only career. I spent my childhood dreaming of working with animals as a veterinarian. Many years of college later, with a major in animal science/large animal veterinary medicine, minor in biology, I had completed most of that dream and was ready to get out in the world and go to work. While in college, however, I met my husband. He had other plans for me and whisked me off to the small town of Snelling where we started a family and a life together on the family ranch. We farm almond trees, raise cattle and turkeys on several thousand acres. Its a full time operation and keeps us both busy. For "fun", I have a small herd of Boer goats (100 plus!), two horses, six dogs and fourteen cats. I garden organically and have a small orchard of fruit and nut trees. We raise or grow most of what we eat. After 13 years as a rancher's wife and mother, I started substitute teaching and loved it. I noticed that good science teachers were in demand and sorely needed. Shortly thereafter, I started teaching full time while completing my credential classes. I have a clear credential in Biology and General Science, Health and CLAD.
Both of my parents were teachers, my mother for 35 years as a 6th grade teacher and my father taught in Jr. College after working many years as an aviation mechanic. My husband’s mother was a teacher, one niece and one nephew are teacher's and two of my sister’s in law are teachers. So you could say that teaching is the family business.
Our three children all attended Merced High, graduated and attended college all over the state; UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz and Fresno State. Our youngest Tami completed her law degree in Fullerton and successfully passed her BAR exam. She is currently working for the LA district attorney's office. She is married to Michael and we are hoping for grand babies soon! Our son Matt, who was quarter back for Merced High back in 2000, is still living in Merced and he comes out to the ranch regularly. He started a mobile auto glass business called Sky Blue Mobile glass. He is married to Katie and helping to raise his wife's nephew. Again waiting for grand babies! Our oldest daughter Bonnie is in San Jose and is managing a health club and building clientele as a physical trainer. Her boyfriend Mike still hasn't popped the question, but we hope they are married soon, and we get grand babies!
We are blessed also with having many other young people live with us through the years whom we also call "our" children. We have had three foreign exchange students; one each from Brazil, South Korea and Finland; Uida, Chris and Janette. We also claim as our "adopted" children, Josh, Emmy, Evan and Jasmine. I participated as a 4H leader for nine years, working with many of the local Snelling kids and their critters. Then there were the children we babysat for years and my Girl scouts, many of which still stay in contact with us today. We have enjoyed them all!
I have taught at Merced High as a Bear for 20 years, starting as a long term sub in 1993. I have taught ELD 4, Biology EL, Earth Science EL, Science 1 and 2, Health, REACH, Environmental Science, Life Science, Intro to Health Careers, and Anatomy and Physiology. Teaching is something I do because I believe in the future and hope that our young people will be the leaders of the future. Teaching is an art and ever changing. Every year I am inspired and amazed by the students that pass through my door. I do sincerely care about my students, their families and all that success in school will bring to them.
Have a wonderful Year in 2017-18! Ms. Mack
Both of my parents were teachers, my mother for 35 years as a 6th grade teacher and my father taught in Jr. College after working many years as an aviation mechanic. My husband’s mother was a teacher, one niece and one nephew are teacher's and two of my sister’s in law are teachers. So you could say that teaching is the family business.
Our three children all attended Merced High, graduated and attended college all over the state; UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz and Fresno State. Our youngest Tami completed her law degree in Fullerton and successfully passed her BAR exam. She is currently working for the LA district attorney's office. She is married to Michael and we are hoping for grand babies soon! Our son Matt, who was quarter back for Merced High back in 2000, is still living in Merced and he comes out to the ranch regularly. He started a mobile auto glass business called Sky Blue Mobile glass. He is married to Katie and helping to raise his wife's nephew. Again waiting for grand babies! Our oldest daughter Bonnie is in San Jose and is managing a health club and building clientele as a physical trainer. Her boyfriend Mike still hasn't popped the question, but we hope they are married soon, and we get grand babies!
We are blessed also with having many other young people live with us through the years whom we also call "our" children. We have had three foreign exchange students; one each from Brazil, South Korea and Finland; Uida, Chris and Janette. We also claim as our "adopted" children, Josh, Emmy, Evan and Jasmine. I participated as a 4H leader for nine years, working with many of the local Snelling kids and their critters. Then there were the children we babysat for years and my Girl scouts, many of which still stay in contact with us today. We have enjoyed them all!
I have taught at Merced High as a Bear for 20 years, starting as a long term sub in 1993. I have taught ELD 4, Biology EL, Earth Science EL, Science 1 and 2, Health, REACH, Environmental Science, Life Science, Intro to Health Careers, and Anatomy and Physiology. Teaching is something I do because I believe in the future and hope that our young people will be the leaders of the future. Teaching is an art and ever changing. Every year I am inspired and amazed by the students that pass through my door. I do sincerely care about my students, their families and all that success in school will bring to them.
Have a wonderful Year in 2017-18! Ms. Mack