Grade/school: First grade, Maple Glen Elementary School
Number of years teaching: Two
Background/schooling: Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis and earned her bachelor’s in elementary education primary grades from IUPUI.
Why did you become a teacher? I remember being in second grade and adoring my teacher, Mrs. Ellis. She looked at me as an individual and not just as another student. She truly loved me and I knew it. She took the time to learn my learning style and helped me be successful in school. After that I realized that someday I wanted to be for kids what she was for me. In high school I did my community service at Shamrock Springs Elementary and that was when I fell in love with the Westfield Washington Schools. Every teacher that I had the pleasure of working with reminded me of Mrs. Ellis and I knew that someday I’d want to be in a district like WWS; and here I am.
What goals do you have for your students? I want them to realize how truly special they are. These kiddos have their whole lives ahead of them and if they can recognize their individual strengths at this age, then they will have the wherewithal to confidently take on all the challenges that will come their way. I also want students to value their peers. Seeing the strengths in their classmates allows for more learning and support opportunities. I believe that developing strong interpersonal communication skills will take them further than they could imagine.
What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills? I encourage parents to get excited! The more excited you are about things going on at school, the more excited your kiddo will be and when those times come where a specific skill needs attention, it won’t be so painful to put in that extra work. Staying positive works wonders.
What is your favorite movie? “Matilda.”
Who is your favorite musician or band? I love music – it truly feeds my soul, but I could not pick a favorite musician or band. I have many favorites and it really depends on my mood.
What’s something your students might not know about you? Art is my world. I love to draw and create, knowing that I can’t be wrong when it is my own creation.
