About Me

I consider myself a Normanite, though I've moved several times away to places like Rochester, Michigan, San Diego, California, and now Mustang, Oklahoma, where my husband and I built our first home. I went to Cleveland Elementary and returned to graduate from Norman High (the only existing high school "back in the day"). Graduating with a Bachelors degree from OU in English Education in 2004, I continued my journey to obtain my Masters degree in 2008, specializing in Secondary English Education. Though a huge accomplishment, I wanted to pursue more for my career and thus began the process of achieving National Board Certification, which I completed in June of 2010. I try to be a good role model for my students, and that is to never stop learning as there is always something you can add to your knowledge.

Even though English is my true passion, I also love photography and volunteering for the community. Whittier has given me the privilege of combining these hobbies into my career by being the Yearbook and CSI (Community Service Involvement) Sponsor.

This past year was my first year teaching as Mrs. Pearsall as a year ago, I married my absolute best friend. For those with older students, they might have known me as Mrs. Pailes or Ms. Clarke, so if your student comes home and says "I have a really short teacher with a bunch of gnomes!" and the older siblings say, "So did I!" then they are probably talking about the same one.

I have been so fortunate to have the family I have. Most of my family is still in Norman, so it's nice to have them nearby so I can spend time with them.  My husband's side of the family is closeby as well, so there is always company around and never a dull moment. All of the people in our lives make life so enjoyable and I appreciate them beyond comprehension. Although I have no children of my own, we are the proud owners of a puppy named Cocoa, who takes up most of my energy (as puppy owners know of their destructive antics). I also consider all of my students as "my kiddos;" I've just sent my third group of students off to college- the pride and tears that poured out on graduation night was an unbelievable experience! I can't imagine what the parents felt!

Philosphically, I believe I am giving my students the foundation skills they need to be successful in high school and beyond. Although students feel I am a "tough grader" or strict on my expectations, I do this because they are adults in training; I want them to succeed and I truly care about them. I guess you could call me old school or a "Love and Logic" believer, because I want the students to learn how to problem solve and think critically, and I believe they leave my classroom prepared for the years following their Whittier experience.