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

I am currently in my 17th year of teaching. I teach English II, Teacher Cadet and ACT Prep. I became a teacher because it was a calling. I had a high school counselor who convinced me to go into teaching because she thought I was “cut out” for it. I realized very quickly as I began my college career that I had a passion for helping others achieve their highest potential. I have always had a “servant's heart” and been able to advocate for others. 

What is your favorite memory from your teaching career?

Watching my students grow throughout their high school career and grow into adulthood is my favorites. I also love seeing students walk into my classroom with a smile because they are excited for our class.

Outside of teaching, what are your hobbies or interests?

Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my family. I also enjoy traveling, cooking, reading, and crafting. 

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

If I could have any superpower, I would never need to sleep! This would allow for more time to do all the things I enjoy. 

If you could teach any subject outside your current field, what would it be and why?

I would enjoy teaching a world history class or world cultures class. I've always had a passion for learning about different cultures and reading historical fiction. 

If you could pick another teacher’s class to enroll in for a day, whose class would it be and why?

I would enroll in one of Tim Stegall’s robotics or engineering courses. Not only is the subject matter intriguing, but Mr. Stegall has a true passion for teaching and always has the most interesting and motivational stories. 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to aspiring teachers?

Focus on your main goal: the outcome of each student. Choose to work with your colleagues and not against them. Never stop learning and trying new techniques. Education and our students are always evolving. 

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

Love everyone and put yourself in other people's shoes. You will get so much further in life if you show love and compassion and allow yourself to see things from another's perspective. Don’t allow others to determine your attitude or your future. 

What do you enjoy most about working in UCPS?

I love working at Forest Hills High School and this community. My team at FHHS is one built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared dedication to enhancing our students’ education. This community is one of the most supportive, hardworking, and loving areas.

Describe your most creative lesson plan. How did you make the topic fun for students?

Any lesson I teach with the novel “A Thousand Splendid Suns” is incredibly engaging for my students. I love being able to use literature as a means of teaching about different cultures and historical milestones. I also enjoy having students analyze connotative meaning through diction by having them find words on a single page of a story. They then identify the mood these words create and produce a visual depiction of that mood on the page without covering up the key words they originally identified. Students love doing this and then seeing their work displayed in the classroom.