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

I presently teach sixth grade math at Marvin Ridge Middle School. I knew at about seven years old that I wanted to be a teacher. I always liked being around my younger cousins and kids are the biggest reason why I continue to teach. They tend to be more interesting and more fun than most adults!

What is your favorite memory from your teaching career?

I've had so many students come back to see me or just see me out and about. It is a great feeling to know I have impacted at least a few kids for the better. 

Outside of teaching, what are your hobbies or interests?

I enjoy coaching my daughters in recreational sports, playing basketball and fishing. 

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Probably flying. It would just be easier to get around. 

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

I would love to teacher either a specialized science or auto mechanics class. I am a hands-on learner and really enjoy those subjects.

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

Mrs. Carolyn Boatner’s English I class here at Marvin Ridge Middle. Two of my children had her (she is now retired). She had very high expectations but also allowed kids to contribute a lot to every conversation. She made things interesting. 

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

Over-plan everything. 

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

Grades are important, but some of the teachers and students you get to know will impact you the most. 

What do you enjoy most about working in UCPS?

I get to know many of the other teachers in the middle school math department around the district.

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

Near the end of every year, I take students outside and we create geometric shapes using string and spray paint. Of course we pre-plan things, but using the Pythagorean theorem to make 90 degree angles and measuring tapes for accurate lengths is a lot of fun. They ask about making circles and apply what they learned during the year. The kids like this hands-on activity, and being able to spray paint the grass is a lot of fun. Some have never used a measuring tape either.