Mrs. Tidwell began her teaching career in Miami at Booker T. Washington Junior High. Three years later, she moved to Charlotte County to accept a position teaching at Punta Gorda Middle School. In 1980, she began her tenure at CHS. During her time at Charlotte High, Mrs. Tidwell has taught Reading, English, and Journalism. In 1993, she taught the first AP course offered at CHS. She presently teaches English II, AP English Language and Composition and AP English Literature. She also is responsible for the weekly CHS page in the Punta Gorda Herald.

Mrs. Tidwell is married to CHS Chemistry teacher, Lynn Tidwell and they have 4 children; Nathaniel, CHS '97 is currently practicing Law in Los Angeles, CA, daughter Jamie, CHS 2003, attends the University of Miami, FAU, Miller School of Medicine in Miami and is an officer in the USAir Force, son Jacob, CHS 2006, attends Oregon State Universty Veterinary School, and son Ethan, CHS 2009, is majoring in interational affairs and minoring in Arabic at Florida State University.

In her spare time, Mrs. Tidwell enjoys sailing, reading and traveling. She has visited over 177 cities in 30 countries.

Mrs. Tidwell received her BA from the University of Connecticut and her MA from the University of South Florida. In 2000, she received her National Board Certification in Adolescent and Young Adult English Language Arts.