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Years teaching at St. Mary’s: 4
Currently teaching: 2nd and 4th grades
Proudest teaching moment: “My first day. I wasn’t always a teacher. After making the decision to leave my previous career to pursue teaching, I took several classes in a condensed amount of time to get my certification. The program moved so quickly that when the day came for me to begin my teaching career, I began second-guessing my decision. I was beyond nervous. When the first day of school arrived, I stood in front of class to welcome the students. In that moment, all my fears faded away and were replaced with an overwhelming sense of contentment.”
Teaching philosophy: “I believe it is important to build a classroom community where each student feels challenged to push beyond their fears to learn and grow. I try to create a learning culture where students take risks and push themselves beyond their comfort zones on a regular basis.”
Toughest challenge facing educators: “Student motivation. It can be difficult to engage the learner to develop their own internal desire to succeed. I find that having students reflect on assessments and other assignments helps to provide the students with valuable feedback that spurs growth and motivation.”
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St. Mary’s Elementary School, Annapolis
Years teaching at St. Mary’s: 4
Currently teaching: 2nd and 4th grades
Proudest teaching moment: “My first day. I wasn’t always a teacher. After making the decision to leave my previous career to pursue teaching, I took several classes in a condensed amount of time to get my certification. The program moved so quickly that when the day came for me to begin my teaching career, I began second-guessing my decision. I was beyond nervous. When the first day of school arrived, I stood in front of class to welcome the students. In that moment, all my fears faded away and were replaced with an overwhelming sense of contentment.”
Teaching philosophy: “I believe it is important to build a classroom community where each student feels challenged to push beyond their fears to learn and grow. I try to create a learning culture where students take risks and push themselves beyond their comfort zones on a regular basis.”
Toughest challenge facing educators: “Student motivation. It can be difficult to engage the learner to develop their own internal desire to succeed. I find that having students reflect on assessments and other assignments helps to provide the students with valuable feedback that spurs growth and motivation.”
