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Years teaching at Elizabeth Seton: 7
Currently teaching: 9th–12th grade Director of Instructional Technology
Proudest teaching moment: “I have worn so many different types of hats, and I have had many amazing teaching moments in and outside of the classroom, so it’s hard to narrow it down to one. Our sophomore year English curriculum contains a lot of difficult stories about people who survive horrible events—like the genocide in Cambodia, Malala and her fight with the Taliban, or life in concentration camps during World War II. I am always impressed when my students realize that despite the tragedies that these people had to endure, they are able to find hope and good in the world. Turning something bad into something good is something I challenge them to examine with their own lives, too, and their personal stories of strength and overcoming obstacles always wows me and humbles me.”
Teaching philosophy: “My years as a student in Jesuit education has had a profound impact on my teaching philosophy. I strive to make the content that students learn in my classroom applicable to real life. It’s always my hope that they aren’t just learning facts or reading a story, but that what they encounter in my classroom changes them and that they take that knowledge out in the world to make it a better place.”
Toughest challenge facing educators: “Finding balance with technology and teaching students how to find that balance, too. I think it’s important that we are purposefully using technology in the classroom, but all educators also have to show students that learning takes place without technology, too. We need to encourage them to unplug, promote deep thought and think critically when unplugged.”
Back to What's Up? Teachers 2017
Elizabeth Seton High School, Bladensburg
Years teaching at Elizabeth Seton: 7
Currently teaching: 9th–12th grade Director of Instructional Technology
Proudest teaching moment: “I have worn so many different types of hats, and I have had many amazing teaching moments in and outside of the classroom, so it’s hard to narrow it down to one. Our sophomore year English curriculum contains a lot of difficult stories about people who survive horrible events—like the genocide in Cambodia, Malala and her fight with the Taliban, or life in concentration camps during World War II. I am always impressed when my students realize that despite the tragedies that these people had to endure, they are able to find hope and good in the world. Turning something bad into something good is something I challenge them to examine with their own lives, too, and their personal stories of strength and overcoming obstacles always wows me and humbles me.”
Teaching philosophy: “My years as a student in Jesuit education has had a profound impact on my teaching philosophy. I strive to make the content that students learn in my classroom applicable to real life. It’s always my hope that they aren’t just learning facts or reading a story, but that what they encounter in my classroom changes them and that they take that knowledge out in the world to make it a better place.”
Toughest challenge facing educators: “Finding balance with technology and teaching students how to find that balance, too. I think it’s important that we are purposefully using technology in the classroom, but all educators also have to show students that learning takes place without technology, too. We need to encourage them to unplug, promote deep thought and think critically when unplugged.”
