My education began at Auburn University, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Nonprofit Philanthropy Studies. Upon graduation, I joined Teach for America, and began my career in education as a fourth grade teacher in Nashville, Tennessee. My first year in Nashville, I worked at Kirkpatrick Enhanced Option School, where I started a school-wide book club, fundraised and led several field trips, and was featured in The Tennessean for my work with students during Black History Month. I then spent three years teaching at Tom Joy Elementary, where I started another book club for fourth grade students, served on several district-wide curriculum and assessment committees, became a level five teacher, and served as the grade level chair for two years. In the summer of 2020 I moved to New York City, and spent this past year teaching a pod of first and third grade students in Dobbs Ferry, NY. As a pod teacher I selected and modified the curriculum to meet the needs of my students, created innovative projects and lessons, and ensured that all students are ready for the next grade.

My philosophy of teaching is that each student be treated as an individual in my classroom. I believe that each student learns differently, so as a teacher it is my job to know how each individual learns and incorporate multiple teaching methods in order for each student to be successful. I will strive to identify the strengths and the weaknesses of my students. I will challenge them in the areas where they are strong, and I will nurture them in the areas where they can grow. I understand that when a child is one of my students, they are my students even when they are not in my classroom. Because of that, I will do whatever it takes to help them be successful. I believe in my students. I will teach them, and they will learn.

           I will implement my philosophy of teaching by always being prepared, always willing to learn, and always using the resources I have to benefit my students. I will use technology, collaborative learning, manipulatives, new and relevant texts, and informative assessments to help students become strategic learners. I also recognize that I cannot do my job to the best of my ability alone. I will include the parents, colleagues, and professional experts to ensure that each of my students will achieve success. While I am the child’s teacher, I recognize the integral role that parents play in education and will do my best to include parents in the education process. I will keep a professional, open relationship with my parents so that they know we are on the same team, fighting for the same thing: their child’s success.  

“ A teacher affects eternity, she can never know where her influence stops”

– Henry Brooks Adams.

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Educational Beliefs:

1. ALL children deserve access to an excellent education.
2. School must be a safe space where children can learn, grow, and develop into worldly citizens.
3. Learning must be filled with laughter and joy!
4. Reading is essential and it is my job to aid children in developing a deep love for reading.
5. Informatively assessing students drives highly personalized instruction.
6. Goal setting and self-reflection for both teachers and students allows for maximum learning to occur.
7. Mistakes are encouraged as they aid in the learning process.
8. Celebrate any victory, no matter how small!
9. Curating creativity and student-lead inquiry enhances the learning process.
10. Above everything, lead with love.