Where do you teach? Georgetown Middle School
What subject(s)/grade(s) do you teach? Art, Choir, Drama
How many years have you taught? 22
Why did you become a teacher? I was always the student in class who wanted to stay in from recess to help grade papers. I would volunteer to sit by students who didn’t understand so I could help them. I have always been a person who wanted to help and make an impact. Teaching is the best way to do that and I have so much fun doing what I love – Art and Singing! What better way to spend my days then sharing what I love with my students and making a difference.
What has been the best part of teaching that you didn’t expect when entering the profession? The best part of teaching is growing more teachers. I love having student teachers come into my room and working with the next generation of teaching professionals. It warms my heart when a student says they want to be a teacher.
What is one thing you wish non-teachers knew about what you do? As a music and art teacher, we are often characterized as sitting behind a piano and playing or just doing crafts in art class. I have the opportunity to teach skills that are so important in all areas of a student’s life: critical thinking, resilience, problem-solving, creativity, personal expression. Not every student will be a performer or artist, that’s ok! Every student will become a vital part of our community and I hope they take with them the skills they have learned as well as an appreciation for the arts.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a teacher? Becoming a teacher mentor has been my greatest accomplishment. I understand how hard it is as a new teacher. I almost quit after my first year. I love helping out new teachers as they journey through the trials and tribulations of their first years of teaching. I feel like I have so much to offer and wish I had someone to help me when I first started.
Favorite thing to do when you aren’t teaching? I LOVE to read and be outside. I usually read 75 books a year and love to take recommendations from my students so we can chat about books in class. I find reading as a way to boost my creativity and charge my batteries. In the summer you can often find me in my hammock with a book in my hand. I also love to go on adventures looking for waterfalls.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? I would love to have control of time! Slow it down so I can savor my time with my family as my three children grow up way too fast. Have more time with my students to really do what inspires them. Have more time in the day to get it all done but also have time to recharge before we start again.