Interviewer: Paxton O'Donohue
Who was your favorite teacher as a child and why?
I had amazing teachers throughout my entire education. One of my favorite elementary school teachers was my third grade teacher Mrs. Kent. I still keep in touch with her to this day! She actually gave me the multiplication songs she taught me in third grade so I could teach them to my own students!
Who was your best friend as a kid and why?
My childhood best friend was Layla. We met on the first day of kindergarten and became inseparable. We grew up together! She is one of the kindest people I know and we are still best friends to this day. She was actually my maid of honor in my wedding! I think we became best friends because we both had the same silly, goofy personality. We have the type of friendship where we can laugh for hours and hours and even if we spend some time apart it feels like no time has passed at all.
What do you like the most about being a teacher?
There are many things I love about being a teacher. I think my favorite thing is being able to get excited about what I’m teaching and see my kids get excited about learning. Watching my kids grow from the beginning to the end of the school year is also amazing and I love building relationships with my students and getting to know them as people. Each year is unique and memorable and I will always keep all my students in a special place in my heart!
What is the worst thing about being a teacher?
It is a very demanding and exhausting job. I would say one of the hardest things about being a teacher is how little planning time we have and how many hours outside of the school day we have to work just to stay prepared for the next day. We spend a lot of time preparing lessons, grading papers, and more at home on our own time!
Why did you decide to be a teacher?
I have wanted to be a teacher since the second grade. I want to have a career where I can make a difference and impact others lives in a positive way. I would love to come to the end of my life and know that I’ve spent it helping others and making them feel loved.
What is one of the most inspiring things a student has told you?
At the end of the school year I ask my students to reflect on how third grade was for them. One of my students one year said something along the lines of, “I thought this year would be just boring things like addition and subtraction, but it was much more.” I think that ‘much more’ was really inspiring to me because I felt like I was reminded of how much of an impact I can have on my students and how much they impact me. My students and I learn and grow so much and I always hope that I’ve made them feel loved and helped them gain confidence and a passion for learning to help them be successful moving forward in their education and pursuing their dreams.
What advice would you give a new third grade teacher?
I would tell them to take a deep breath and slow down. That’s what Mrs. Docev told me my first day of teaching third grade! I would also remind them to lean on their teammates for support while still being brave enough to step up and find ways that they can bring their own creativity to the team. Relax and have fun getting comfortable in the classroom and teaching with your own unique personality!
How would you describe teaching in three words?
Three words I would use to describe teaching are powerful, compassion, and dedication.
What do you like to do for fun outside of school?
Mr. Durren and I recently got a puppy, so we love to take her on walks at the park. I also love reading mystery novels, going to the movies, and doing escape rooms! We love traveling to new places as well and spending time outside in nature.
What is the funniest thing a kid has told you?
One of my students was teaching me how to draw something. I asked them if they wanted to teach art classes when they grew up, and they said yes. I told them I would love to take one of their art classes one day and they said, “You’ll probably be dead by then.” I was only 23 years old!
