What are you looking forward to the most about your new job?

Getting to know a new batch of kids, interacting with new colleagues, and getting acclimated to a new building atmosphere. I’ve worked at Northern High, Central Middle, and now Central High. It’s exciting to get to be a part of so many facets of the district.

What made you decide you wanted to be a teacher?

Quite honestly, my high school teachers. They had a really positive impact on me. Not just a concern for my knowledge, but also my development as a whole person. I feel compelled to pay that forward.

Where did you start out teaching?

I started teaching in FHPS at Northern High School.

How long have you been teaching?

This is the start of my 4th year.

Have you worked with any FHC teachers in the past? If so, who?

Funny you should ask this question because I am a graduate of FHC. Some of the very people in this building were my teachers. I would name them individually, but I can think of at least 20. I think that’s a testament to the great environment that Central High creates. People don’t leave awesome places.

What is your favorite thing about teaching?

Kids – they have to be considering I encounter about 150 of them every day. It’s exciting that no two days are the same and my students keep me on my toes.

Who has impacted your career the most and how?

My professor from MSU who I had senior year and also during my year-long internship. He knows absolutely everything about teaching math well and I learned a lot from him. He’s someone I still go to today with questions and advice.

What has been your greatest struggle as a teacher?

The day to day operations of being in charge of my own classroom can be a challenge. I know math and I know kids, it’s hard sometimes to connect the two though.

What has been your greatest success as a teacher?

Getting a job in Forest Hills as soon as I graduated. It’s a blessing to have a teaching job in such a respected and desired district. I worked hard for it for 5 years and it paid off. I couldn’t be happier.

What was your proudest moment as a teacher?

Generally speaking, seeing the “lightbulbs” go off in students throughout the year. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to see how kids grow and gain knowledge throughout a unit and to know I had a hand in it. Any teacher can attest to the moment that a kid just “gets it,” and knowing I helped that learning process is a great feeling.

What motivates you to keep moving forward in your career?

The challenge – teaching is a craft that I don’t feel is every truly perfected. Kids change, curriculum changes, technology changes, it’s always evolving. It keeps me busy but is also a motivator to adapt and be the best I can be for my students.

What’s the most important thing you learned in school?

It’s okay to be wrong. As a student and even as a teacher, it’s okay not to know the answer to absolutely everything. All anyone wants is effort, and a solid one at that.

Describe what the atmosphere at FHC feels like to you.

Infectious – you can’t help but feel Ranger pride when you walk through the halls and see the school camaraderie and spirit it possesses.

What have you enjoyed the most about FHC so far?

Getting to work with the amazing math department that FHC has in place. They are such hard working and helpful individuals. I’m really excited to become a part of the staff here.

What are three characteristics that describe you best?

Organized, quick-witted, and hard working.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love being outside – hanging out on the water, playing soccer, and watching sunsets. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also have a slight addiction to sushi.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

I’m just really excited to start the school year in a building I have a new role in!