Where do you teach?
I currently teach at Independence Middle School in Jupiter, Florida.
What grade/age do you teach?
I teach 7th and 8th grade.
How long have you been a teacher?
This is my 18th year teaching.
What subject do you teach?
I teach Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 Honors.
Why were you inspired to teach?
I was inspired to teach because my mother was a teacher. I also had some very influential educators in my life to help me become the teacher and person I am today. I hope I can have the same impact for some of the students that I have taught. I love school and love to learn, and I feel that in this career you are a lifelong learner. It was a no-brainer for me.
What is your favorite part of the school day?
I love school and always have. My favorite part of the day is when I see the student’s “ah-ha!” moment when they grasp the lesson or concept I am teaching. It’s such a refreshing feeling. This doesn’t happen daily, but what does occur daily is greeting my students with a smile as they enter my class each day!
Do you have a favorite assignment/ project that you typically assign your students?
I can’t say that I have a favorite because I try to switch it up pretty often. I enjoy assigning scavenger hunts and gallery walks with math because it allows the students to apply what they learned in
a non-traditional setting; the students are up, out of their seats, walking around the classroom, solving problems, communicating with classmates about the given problems and who would have thought, learning! It is a very refreshing experience for me as an educator to watch the students shine and apply their knowledge.
How do you wind down from a long day of teaching?
I unwind by relaxing at home on the couch or taking a walk around the neighborhood. I also enjoy texting with friends from Pennsylvania.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy going to the gym 5 to 6 days a week usually before school at 5:45 a.m. This gets me in a great mindset for the day, and I feel self-care is very important to be successful. I also enjoy being social with friends in any capacity and relaxing at the beach.
Share a funny teaching moment/day.
I try to find the good in every day, funny may not happen as often. Just recently, my principal made a classroom visit and our classroom doors always need to be locked, which mine was. She came
to visit, used her key to enter, but she never relocked my door. Our school’s hall monitor came to check our doors and of course mine was unlocked. The principal was still in my class and I threw her right under the bus for leaving it unlocked, I was laughing so hard.
If you were a superhero, who would you be?
I think I would choose Wonder Woman. She illustrates the importance of kindness. This is a trait I try to instill in my students each year. I always tell them I don’t need them to be amazing mathematicians, but I do need them to have manners and be nice people. Wonder Woman is also strong which relates to me working out daily. I share my passion for my gym and my fitness with my students to show them that
I am a real person outside of school, and I have other important things in my life to make me the person and teacher that I am. Wonder Woman is also smart who gets her wisdom from Athena. I have gained my wisdom from my family, friends, and past teachers and administrators who I have learned from.
What is your favorite book?
I can’t say I have a favorite book, but I enjoy reading books that are based on a true story, or stories that can make an impact on my life.
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