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

I teach International Baccalaureate (IB) History of the Americas and IB Theory of Knowledge. I became a teacher because I have always loved history and I love being able to share that knowledge with students as well as challenging them to think critically.

What is your favorite memory from your teaching career?

My favorite memory of my teaching career took place back in May. IB is a two-year program which allows students to create very close relationships with each other. On the last day of class, all 62 of the soon-to-be graduates created a gratitude circle to share their favorite memories and what they will miss from the past two years. It was awesome to see just how close they had become through all of the stories told and tears shed. It made me so thankful to have been able to witness their IB journey.

Outside of teaching, what are your hobbies or interests?

I love to watch my Carolina Panthers each Sunday of the football season. I also love to spend time with my niece and nephew.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

If I had a superpower it would be time travel. As a history lover, I would love to witness moments such as the writing of the U.S. Constitution and the French Revolution.

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

If I could teach another course outside of social studies, it would be AP Environmental Science. When I was in high school, it was by far my favorite class that was not history-related.

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 Mr. Taylor’s physics classes. He has presented during some of our staff meetings and PD sessions and he is very engaging. Physics also fascinates me and all of his students rave about his class.

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

One piece of advice I would give to aspiring teachers is to never forget your why. As a teacher, some days will be more frustrating than others and many lessons may not go as planned, but if you can remember why you decided to get into teaching, then it makes it all worth it.

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

My advice would be to appreciate those around you and how they shape your journey. In today’s society, we focus too much on how others may judge or hinder us, but we need to remember that our friends, family, and coworkers want to see us do great things and will do anything they can to see us succeed.

What do you enjoy most about working in UCPS?

I love the combination of autonomy and support that UCPS offers. I feel I am able to make my own decisions for my classes while also knowing that there are many resources and tools offered that I can turn to should I have any questions.

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

One of my favorite lessons that I look forward to every year is associated with the Prescribed Title assessment for IB. All IB students are given six prompts made by the IB and they each choose one to answer. Shortly after the prompts are released, I have the students get in groups per prompt and have them explore their prompt and create a short presentation. They then lead a class discussion around the prompt. It is awesome to see how each student approaches each prompt and the conversations that are produced.  I found that the students enjoyed the lesson because they were the leaders of the discussion. All I provided were the prompts and they were able to take them and run.