Grade/Subject at what school: First grade, Maple Glen Elementary School.
Number of years teaching: 15.
Background/Schooling (college and high school):
Jackson High School, Jackson, Mich.
B.S. elementary education, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Mich.
Why did you become a teacher? “Throughout elementary school and into middle school I struggled with math. My seventh-grade math teacher, John Village, believed in me from the start. His encouragement was instrumental in my belief of myself. It’s a testament to him that I still enjoy math to this day.”
What goals do you have for your students? “First and foremost, to treat each other with kindness and respect. Partner work, group work, stations, etc., cannot work effectively until everyone understands the basic concept of treating each other right. Secondly, I encourage them to take chances and emphasize that making mistakes is a huge part of the learning process.”
What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills? “Read, read, read! Whether it is your child reading to you, you reading to your child, or taking turns reading together.”
Name your favorite movie. “‘The Sound of Music.’”
Name your favorite musician or band. Bruno Mars, Adele and Sarah McLachlan.
What’s something your students might not know about you? “When I was 21, I backpacked through nine countries in Europe with a college friend.”
