At which school in the district do you teach?
Arlington Elementary
What subject(s) do you teach?
All subjects, Math/ELA/SS/Science
What grade(s) do you teach?
4th grade
How long have you been teaching at SASD?
This is my 25th year!
What is your favorite part about teaching?
Making a difference in children’s lives by teaching them something they did not know before.
If you could teach another subject what would it be and why?
I would teach Home Economics because I would learn how to cook and sew myself!
If you had gone into another profession, what would it be and why?
I would have been a prosecuting attorney. I am not afraid to stand up for myself or anyone else and I am very good at arguing my points especially when I know I am correct.
What is one piece of advice you would share with your students?
Always keep trying at everything. Everyone has a talent, you just need to find it.
If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
I would like to freeze or slow down time. If there was a person annoying me I would freeze them. If a situation needed to be paused I would freeze that. If I could enjoy more moments with my family I would slow that down.
How and when did you know teaching was what you wanted to do?
I first went to Cedar Crest College to be a Pediatric Nurse because I wanted to help children. Once I realized I couldn’t skin cats and blood made me gag, I realized it was the Pediatric component I wanted, which was dealing with children. I then transferred and went into Elementary teaching where I am still helping children.
What is a joke you always keep in your pocket?
I don’t have jokes. My husband is the funny one. He always tells me he’s the funny one and I am the pretty one. He doesn’t try to be pretty, therefore, I shouldn’t try to be funny… even though I think I am funny with or without jokes.
Who do you look up to?
I look up to my twin brother Pete…always protective and looking out for me.
What will your life look like after you retire?
Hopefully, travel a little with my husband, maybe some adorable grandchildren by then, and definitely more English Bulldogs!
What is your favorite memory of teaching?
My favorite memory of teaching is anytime I get a positive message from any parent or student and/or when students come back to visit because they just want to see me and let me know how they are doing!
What is something that most people may not know about you?
I have been a cheerleading coach for both High School and College for 20 years before hanging up my pom poms. I created a Mini Mountie program for K-6 which was a feeder program for the HS. I was asked to appear on the MTV show Made to show how I coach my team. I denied it.
What is a hidden talent of yours?
Not sure it is a talent, but I am ambidextrous.
What is your proudest achievement?
When my principal talked to me about a lesson she was super impressed.
What is one thing you wish people knew about teaching/teachers in general?
I wish people knew just how much time teachers put into their day, their work, and the students they are teaching. We are constantly working and trying to do the best we can.
What makes you smile?
A lot of things make me smile; My bulldogs, my family, funny things, food, people who smile at me.
When you retire one day, what will you miss most about teaching?
Being needed and making a difference in someone’s life.
What is something your students have taught you?
My students have taught me to really listen to what people are saying. Not to just hear. When you listen, you get to the root of the problem or situation and you can help or just be there for that person fully.
