Q: Have you taught at a different school before Howe? If so, what school?

A: Howe is the only school I have taught at.  I started here in 2012 as a pre-k aid and was able to move into the Middle School building, teaching Reading and Language Arts, in 2015 until May of 2021.

Q: What do you enjoy about teaching high school English?

A: I enjoy all of the short stories and novels that we get to read in class, and I get to learn at the same time as my students.  I enjoy the age as well, and there are some interesting conversations that occur.

Q: What are the challenges you face teaching high school students?

A: A challenge I face in teaching HS students is that there are so many to keep up with!  There is always a student that has been absent and asks what they have missed and I have to direct them to Google Classroom.  Another challenge is keeping the phones and earbuds/headphones out of sight.

Q: What inspired or drew your attention to becoming a teacher?

A: My mother was a teacher and I would “play school” in my room when I was younger.  I also have many family members who are teachers, so I’d say that it’s in my blood to teach.  It wasn’t until my own kids were of school age that I was able to go to college and get my degree in order to teach.

Q: In what ways do you try to connect with your students?

A: I try to connect with my students by getting onto their level and by showing that I’m human. It’s important to admit that we all make mistakes and I try my best to own up to them.

Q: What is a life lesson you have learned from being a teacher?

A: A life lesson I’ve learned by teaching is to never assume you know what a student is truly feeling…they may have had a bad day and they’re acting out.  Also, do not take issues personally, so you naturally develop a thicker skin when teaching!

Q: Whenever you’re teaching do some of the students ever remind you of your younger self? 

A: Some students constantly remind me of myself as a high school student.  The quiet, reserved, book smart student was me back in the day!

Q: Can you tell me more about what made you decide to come back to Howe Schools? 

A: I took a year off from teaching and about midway through the year, I instantly regretted it.   I was given the opportunity to teach English in the high school, so I grabbed it up and ran with it.  Howe is a great school with a caring faculty and staff…just like a family!  I feel so blessed and lucky to be back!

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?

A: I teach 3 hours of English I (Freshmen) and 3 hours of English II (Sophomores).  A typical day in my classroom includes bellwork, instructions, discussions, and the asking/answering of questions…I absolutely love it!

Q: Do you have anything else to tell us about your job here at Howe High school? 

A: I spend a lot of time outside of the classroom researching videos, activities, and classwork.  I try to make my classes as interesting as they can be.  My “job” is my passion!