What made you want to become a science teacher?
When I was in high school, I had a wide variety of interests and it was hard for me to decide on a career path. I loved the arts and the sciences, so I initially went to college as an architecture major, thinking that was a choice that combined some of my interests. I changed my major within days of beginning my freshman year of college to Undecided with a pre-engineering emphasis. As I took more classes and had more experiences — such as an internship in an optics lab — I realized that physics was what I loved and that I wanted to teach so that I could share that love with others. It is awesome to understand the world around you — when you understand something, you can appreciate it so much more. Teaching has also allowed me to get involved with activities related to other interests of mine, as well. For example, I was the Assistant Director of the fall play at NASH for 15 years.
How long have you been teaching at North Allegheny? Have you always taught high school?
This is my 25th year of teaching, but my 23rd year here at North Allegheny. Aside from a few months working as a receptionist between graduating college and getting a full-time teaching position, I have always taught high school.
What is your favorite science to teach?
I have taught physics for the entirety of my career, but for three years, I also taught Environmental Science. I actually really enjoyed teaching Environmental Science — it is a very cool class — but my true love will always be physics.
What’s your favorite part about teaching at NASH?
My favorite part about teaching at NASH is definitely the people, from the administration to the students to my colleagues to the support staff. I feel very lucky to be surrounded by good people who work hard and inspire me to be the best that I can be.
Was science your favorite subject growing up?
Honestly, I struggled to name a favorite subject growing up. I probably wouldn’t have said that my favorite was science until I took physics. That was the first science class that I really felt strongly about. I could see the applications all around me in my daily life and I was fascinated by all that physics explained. I loved that physics helped me make sense of the world. But I loved reading, art, music, and math, too.
What is something people might not know about you?
I completed half of my student teaching in Ireland. I also spent over a month in South Korea in the summer between my junior and senior year of college. When I was there, I lived with a family and tutored their children in English. I got to see quite a bit of the country during that time — it is beautiful.
If you weren’t a teacher, what profession would you enjoy working in?
It would be amazing if someone would pay me to travel the world and write about my experiences. Or if I could make a living making and selling pottery. That would be very cool, too.
What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
I love spending time with my family, being outside hiking or running, reading, traveling, going to concerts, and experiencing new things.
What is your favorite concert you’ve ever been to?
Ooh. This is a tough one. One of my favorites was seeing Hozier in 2015 in Columbus, Ohio. This was before he was so popular, and it was at a smaller venue similar to Stage AE. Hozier has long been one of my favorite artists, so it was very cool getting to see him perform there, especially looking back on it now that he is playing at much larger venues.
What is your biggest pet peeve as a teacher?
I try to not be bothered too much by little things, but if your lab graph is supposed to be printed before class, please don’t ask to print it at the beginning of class!
What is a movie that you think everyone should see once in their life?
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is an absolute classic that everyone should see.
If you could only live in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?
I don’t know that I have been to that place yet. I do love Pennsylvania and have no intention of moving, but I would love to be in a place where I could easily get to the mountains or the ocean, where there isn’t a lot of traffic, but that also has good restaurants, stores, and entertainment fairly close by. Does such a place exist?
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I have received so many great bits of advice over the years. One that sticks out to me and that I often think of is “Do something now that your future self will thank you for.” This helps me avoid procrastination and it helps me be productive. I try to set myself up for success and, as a result, I often look back with gratitude.
