How do you show your school spirit?

I love Fairview and am in my 20th year teaching here. I enjoy participating in school spirit activities like school colors day, leading clubs after school, and attending fun community connection days. I also love interacting with our school community and families at the town's fall and spring festivals.

What or who inspires you?

My family inspires me. They have always supported me and are proud of the things I accomplished growing up and now as a teacher. They have made me a better person and teacher. My mom and aunt both worked at an elementary school (Marshville Elementary), and being able to spend time with them there when I was young also inspired me to become a teacher. 

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

I would love to enroll in our school’s STEM class with Mrs. Dawson for a day. I love the whole process of learning and the design challenges that happen in our STEM classes. 

What is one of your hidden talents? 

I am certified as an open-water scuba diver. Most people don't know that about me. I have always loved to swim, so I took scuba diving as an elective when I was in college at UNCC and loved it!

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

Change is a constant in life. Lean into the changes and be flexible while knowing that it is okay to fail and try again.

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

Find joy in the little things and celebrate the small wins. 

What do you enjoy most about working in UCPS?

I have been a part of the UCPS family in some way for 32 of my last 36 years, first as a student (Marshville Elementary, East Union Middle, and Forest Hills High) and then as a teacher after graduating from UNC Charlotte.

I love the feeling of being a part of a close-knit school community and school family. This is my 20th year teaching and I have spent my whole career at Fairview Elementary and have always felt like a part of the Wildcat family. Over the years, I have had the chance to watch our school system grow and change in so many positive ways. While UCPS has grown, it still feels like a small, close-knit community. UCPS has always valued us as teachers, and I have always been proud to work in our county.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Teacher superpower: I’d love to be able to snap my fingers and make all my students feel successful in whatever they are working on. 

General superpower: I would love to be able to fly. I think that would be so much fun!

List five adjectives that describe your personality.

• Energetic
• Loving
• Positive
• Determined
• Curious 

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

I currently teach first grade and have also taught kindergarten. I have always loved working with children. When I was in high school, I had the chance to go to a local elementary school to work with students every morning. That was when I knew I wanted to become an elementary school teacher. I have always loved to learn new things. As a teacher, I get to learn new things with my students. Seeing a child’s eyes light up when they master a skill they’ve worked so hard to learn brings me so much joy! Every student I've had has a special place in my heart and they will always be “my babies,” even when they are grown.