What classes do you teach?
This is my fifth year teaching, and I teach English I on-level.
Why did you want to teach?
I thought about what I was good at, what I enjoyed, and what was most impactful. I had a love for English and art, and teaching is definitely an impactful career to have.
Favorite thing about teaching?
Seeing students’ aha! moments and getting a chance to see an impact take place.
Favorite topic to teach?
My favorite is poetry and creative writing. Just seeing people actually be creative is mind-blowing. You don’t realize how much creativity someone has until they try it.
Hardest thing about teaching?
Behavioral issues. But also, paperwork…lots and lots of paperwork.
Favorite books?
“The Tree”, “Pride and Prejudice”, “The Handmaid’s Tale”, “Those Empty Eyes”.
What do you do during your free time?
I love to paint. I do love to shop. It’s a bad addiction. I also like reading and eating.
What’s a story about a student that inspires you to keep teaching?
I had a student [at the] very, very beginning of the school year. She was struggling with familial issues and she also got into an altercation. During the second semester, she turned everything around and pulled herself together in class and decided to do all of her work and be amazing.
There was another student [who] was an AAC drop out. He would disrupt, and other things. But then in the second semester, he would do his work and ask questions. It’s nice to see people change.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to students after high school?
I think the most important thing after high school would be to find a good group of people that is mindful and helpful to yourself and have a group to network with. The people you know are the people that are going to help you get a job and have a career. Make those decisions as you go but also enjoy the experience. It’s hard to keep that balance but finding the balance between looking for a good network and staying true to what you like. Also, just enjoy your time.
