How do you show your school spirit?

I show my school spirit by participating in dress-up days and by attending some sports events to cheer on my students. I strive to leave a bad mood/negativity in my car in the morning. My students need me to be the best version of myself. They need someone to show up and brighten their day when they are having a hard day.  

What or who inspires you? 

My family and my students inspire me to be a better teacher each and every day.  In my family, my own children have different learning styles and needs. These needs range from ADHD, ADD, anxiety, speech and language delays, and sensory processing delays. Knowing what my biological children need and how they work best in a school setting consistently challenges and inspires me to think of ways I can meet each and every single need of my students and ask myself how each child learns best. As we like to say at Piedmont Middle, “Every Child. Everyday!” At the end of each class period, I want every child to feel successful, love learning English language arts, and to know they are loved when they walk out of my classroom.

In which other teacher’s class would you like to enroll for a day? Why?

If I could enroll in another teacher's class for the day, I would enroll in two classes.  

I would go to Mrs. Katie Allen’s math class. Her classroom is always so inviting! I need to enroll in her class to help my children with their math homework. My two middle school daughters tell me that my math is considered, “old math and sooooo 90’s.”  

I would also visit Mr. Caden Allen’s art class. I could use a little art therapy here or there to brighten my day.

What is one of your hidden talents?

I would have to say my hidden talent away from school would be cooking. I love to cook, entertain, create recipes, and make holidays special through food. I took a twelve year hiatus from teaching when my husband and I started our family, and I almost started a food blog called Grace with Goodness.

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

If I could pass on any wisdom to my students, it would be these words:

Be your authentic self. It is easy to compare ourselves to others, but the world needs YOU to be who you are made to be. 

What is a professional motto or quote that you “work” by?

I have the following quotes posted in my planner so I can see them every day. 

• “Children are likely to live up to what you believe in them.”
• “How you teach is more important than what you teach.”
• “Every day might not be good, but there is something good in every day.”
• “No one should teach who is not in love with teaching.”

What do you enjoy most about working in UCPS?

I love our Piedmont Middle family and culture. At Piedmont Middle School, we are a family, and our culture is positive as soon as you walk through the front door. We support each other, collaborate together, celebrate victories together, and share hard times together. Our administrative team and teachers are amazing!  My Piedmont family pushes me to be the best teacher I can be daily.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

If I had a superpower, I would wish to have the ability to take the pain and mental burden some of our students carry.  I would love to have a magic wand, wave it and ease some of the struggles and burdens these kids have.

List five adjectives that describe your personality.

• Passionate
• Caring
• Committed
• Purposeful
• Organized

What do you teach and why did you become a teacher?

I have always wanted to be a teacher. When I was growing up and someone would ask me what I wanted to be, I would tell them I wanted to be a teacher and a mother. Thankfully, I have had the honor and privilege of being both. I want to inspire, encourage and instill the love of learning in my students. I only hope one day I make a lasting impact and difference in my students’ lives as my teachers made in my life.