How long have you been teaching? Have you always been teaching high school?
This is my 8th year teaching! I’ve taught middle school English and high school English, but high school is easily my favorite age group to teach.
In what cities have you taught? Which has been your favorite?
I’ve taught in Chicago, IL for the majority of my teaching career, abroad in Thessaloniki, Greece, and in Altoona, Pennsylvania. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I’d say Chicago since I spent the most time there. In Chicago, I taught city kids — kids who bike to school or take public transit regularly, kids who grow up and become independent very fast — in the heart of the third largest city in the U.S. And that experience was very different, but I would say teaching at my last high school in Chicago was my favorite because of the great school culture, genuine kids, and lively school spirit.
What draws you to teaching English specifically?
English classes teach us about the human experience. Most importantly, we learn where we fit it in through all of it. Learning about the human experience helps us grow as people and human beings, and it allows us to understand our individual identities even more. And of course, it gives us a chance to talk about important topics going on in the world and read beautiful literature.
Why did you move back to PA to teach at NA?
Family means the most to me, and my whole family lives here. Being away in Chicago for years reminded me of my values, and now as I’m getting older, how important it is to have that quality time with them. I also am looking forward to slowing down in a smaller city.
What makes NA different from other places you’ve taught? Are there any unique challenges?
NA is massive. I’ve taught at medium to big and small schools, but I’ve never been in a district this big. Adjusting to the systems has been new, yet the staff and administration have been incredibly supportive every step of the way so far.
What kind of teacher do you consider yourself?
I’m family-oriented and try to create that kind of comfortable, safe environment in each class. I believe kids learn best when they are comfortable and feel safe in the learning environment, yet I also have high expectations and want each kid to feel challenged and push themselves out of their comfort zone. So…I guess you could say I’m warm and nurturing with high expectations.
What do you find yourself wondering about when you have free time?
I’m a deep thinker, so I’m definitely always questioning the workings of the world and just how I can make an impact and help others. Come find me if you want a good heart-to-heart chat! Buuuuut when I’m not contemplating the workings of the world, I love to think about sports (watching the WNBA, playing basketball myself, keeping up with local teams, etc.), reading (self-development books are my favorite), working out, any creative project, so usually my wondering in my free time is taken up by questions that pertain to those activities when I’m not with family/friends.
If you could pick up any skill immediately without effort, what would it be?
Play piano or guitar…I’m a sports girl, so playing any sport comes naturally to me but playing an instrument has always been a challenge and something I’d love to have that innate skill to do.
Would you rather take a beach vacation or a mountain vacation?
Mountain vacation – easily – since I love being active and hiking.
What would you say has been the music album you’ve listened to most over your life?
I’m a Swiftie, so old Taylor Swift albums have always been my go-to since I grew up going to every one of her concerts.
If you had a roughly four-inch tall mini version of yourself who obeyed all of your commands, what would you use your power for?
Hmmm, this is a tough one. I guess I’d say I’d use my mini me to make the world a better place in some way, whatever that would be 🙂
If you could describe yourself in ten words or less, how would you do it?
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” Maya Angelou
More than 10, but the quote is too good.
