Where do you teach? Lloyd Memorial High School
What subject(s)/grade(s) do you teach? 9th grade special education
How many years have you taught? 7
Why did you become a teacher? I was in my first finals week of pre-nursing classes at NKU when I realized I was on the completely wrong path. I decided to change to education because that was what felt right. I love working with kids, and I love to read and write. My job as an English teacher brought all those things for me together, and being a SPED teacher allows me to work more one-on-one with students to individualize their education.
What has been the best part of teaching that you didn’t expect when entering the profession? Graduation. It takes me off guard every year because I realize that we all made it to the end of the student’s high school career.
What is one thing you wish non-teachers knew about what you do? I plan lessons and my days, but sometimes have to change my plans while in the midst of them so that way I can do what is best for the kids. Teachers do this every day.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a teacher? I had a student who had just a roller coaster of a school year, and I was at a loss of how to help her out, but I was able to brainstorm some ideas. Luckily, she was willing to work with me, so we worked to save what we could of the year; she was released from SPED services two years later, and is now getting accepted by colleges.
Favorite thing to do when you aren’t teaching? I have a few different things that I enjoy when I’m not teaching. I have three dogs who I greatly enjoy playing with in the yard and chilling with during the evening. I love watching comic book and fantasy shows and movies. Reading, writing, and playing video games are some of my favorite pass times. I have also greatly enjoyed developing my embroidery skills and am hoping to get some gardening skills under my belt.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? What a tough question. I would love the ability to have what I need in that moment. For example, if I need to be in multiple places at once, I would want the duplication ability; but if I need to drink some water, I’d like the elemental ability to get myself some water. It’ll always keep me on my toes since I won’t have the same power all hours.