Education: Northmont City Schools and Wright State University.
What do you enjoy most about teaching in Trotwood-Madison City Schools?
For me being a new teacher, the supportive professional staff has been a great example and guide for my professional development. They are an exceptional group of people who are totally dedicated to the children we serve.
Describe some of the real-world experiences you bring into your classroom to connect with students?
Since my father passed way in my teens, I spent most of my youth in a single-parent household. As a result, I feel like I can identify with many of my students that have similar experiences.
Discuss some of your academic training and/or some of the professional development you have completed to enhance your teaching.
The teacher-based team, five-step process analyzes common assessments in order to group student by their needs and provide intervention or enrichment by differentiating instruction. We evaluate the effectiveness of our practices by meeting weekly to discuss student performance. Trotwood has also adopted new professional development utilizing a technological approach. Programs such as Cicero, McGraw-Hill, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt all have an aspect of technology based resources that enhance not only the students learning, but mine as well.
Describe your teaching philosophy in 10 words or less.
My goal is to get each child’s personal best each day they are in my classroom.
How do you make learning fun and engaging for your students?
I engage my students by using a student-centered approach to learning. I find that this increases student involvement and aids in active learning. I also integrate technology as much as possible to enhance the effectiveness of lessons.
What is your greatest teaching achievement so far?
My biggest success thus far was completing my year one residency with 100 percent of my students meeting or exceeding their performance objectives.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I enjoy all kinds of sports but I particularly enjoy playing basketball and softball.
Who would you most like to meet and why?
I would love to meet Michael Jordan because he was my childhood idol and Space Jam was — and still is — my favorite movie.
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