Grade/school/subject: 4th grade at White River Elementary
Special professional accomplishments/experiences: I’m very proud to have been a member of the Noblesville Teachers’ Forum my whole career. I have served as a building representative, vice president of membership and I am currently serving as treasurer. I am also very excited to serve as the Project Lead the Way lead teacher for White River (Elementary).
Why you became a teacher: I honestly believe that the desire to become a teacher started in elementary school. I had so many fabulous teachers. My fifth grade teacher, Dave Welch, stands out as the most influential. He made learning such a memorable and empowering experience. I continued to have a positive learning experience as I continued through my years. I also had a love of working with children. It seemed like a natural choice to become a teacher. I want my students to have the same love of school that I had growing up.
Goals for your students: My goal is to help prepare my students with 21st century skills. They need learning skills such as collaboration and communication. They need media and information literacy skills. They also need life skills, such as flexibility and initiative. I also truly want to foster a life-long love of learning, and my main goal is to help them to simply, “Be Nice and Work Hard.” That is our motto in 4th grade this year!
What advice would you give for parents: I would advise parents to be involved. Check your child’s backpack. Check the school website, and read emails from the teachers. Encourage your students to complete their work to the best of their ability and complete it on time. If they are struggling with school, teach them how to go to their teacher for help.
What makes Noblesville Schools special: I am a proud graduate and employee of this school system. I lived in another school system when my children were younger, and I did everything I could to move back to Noblesville so that my children could attend school here. I am impressed on a daily basis with how hard our teachers work and how much they care. I feel we are small enough to still have a small community atmosphere but big enough to offer many varied classes, sports and extra-curricular activities. I love working for Noblesville, and I am proud that my kids will all be Noblesville graduates, too!
