Q. What inspired you to become a teacher?
A. "I was a student who struggled with focusing in class, constantly talking, and overall bursting with energy. As I went through all of the different grade levels I had teachers such as Mrs. Boelter (5th Grade), Ms. Salazar (7th Grade History), Mrs. Tellinger (7th Grade Science), Mr. Romano (9th Grade Math), who found a way to challenge me and realized what I needed as a student, and that is what I want to do for all students at STEM. I want them to know they have someone in their corner and will do whatever I can as a teacher to know them as a student."
Q. Can you share an example of a particularly challenging teaching experience and how you overcame it?
A. "I came from a school that had a number of students that come from trauma, and throughout my time studying and doing research to understand trauma informed instruction was one of the most powerful things I learned. Learning that so many students come in with different levels of trauma, and I had a student who had come from a large trauma background, and getting to build a relationship with that student and watching them succeed throughout the year is one of the biggest success I have had as a teacher. "
Q. In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges facing the education system today?
A. "I think some of the biggest challenges that education is facing is that out front there is a ton of innovation, and change, but the foundations such as funding, and policy are still archaic. Things like the funding still being pulled from its original source without any legislation to change how we fund schools has left a number of districts underfunded. But until legislators change where the funding comes from it will be a challenge to fund it only putting that responsibility on the same groups of people."
Q. What advice would you give someone who is considering becoming a teacher?
A. "My advice is that you are going to work harder than you ever thought you could work, but you will build relationships that change your life on the daily basis. You will challenge yourself and you will come to understand and see the world in a different way."
Q. Can you share a memorable experience you had with a student that reaffirmed your love for teaching?
A. "This year I received an email from one of my first classes in Adams 12 sent me an email this year thanking me and saying that the support I gave him in 3rd grade has been the reason he feels like he will make it to high school. And he has continued to update me throughout the year and I can not wait to see him continue to be successful."
Q. What is your favorite thing the PTO does for the school?
A. "I think for me it was getting to plan an event together. We worked together to bring CMAS Cinema to our 3rd-8th students, and I loved planning it together and hearing their ideas, that kind of community collaboration was so amazing. "
