Educating children is one of my greatest passions. Just ask my husband! Teaching is much more than a job to me. It's a joy and a privilege. While some people wake up on Monday mornings dreading the upcoming work week, I wake up excited and eager to educate such incredible students. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to teach at an IB (International Baccalaureate) school where we strive "to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect."
You might ask, "When and where did this passion come from?" I believe it began earlier on in life. As a young girl, I generally enjoyed school. I also found that a loving and passionate teacher could make all the difference in the world. During my middle school years, my parents decided to foster three children, who we later adopted. Over the years, I watched my siblings progress in many ways - emotionally, spiritually, physically, and academically. I believe this was a direct result of the intentionality and care of my parents, their teachers, and family friends. Fostering and adopting profoundly impacted my life (and still does). I'm convinced it's the main reason I became a teacher. Later, I went on to receive my bachelor's and master's degrees in Elementary Education from the University of Florida. GO GATORS! (Don't worry. I don't bite!) After graduating with my master's degree, I taught 2nd and 5th in my home state of Florida. Over the last seven years, I've taught 4th and 5th at Jackson, and have LOVED every minute. This upcoming year will be my ninth year as a teacher. I'm confident it will be another amazing year thanks to the AWESOME students, parents, and staff at Jackson! When I'm not teaching you may find me spending time with my incredibly talented husband (Ryan), playing fetch with my extremely energetic puppy (Scout), or grilling out with our amazing friends and O4W neighbors. |