At which school in the district do you teach?
Hamilton
What subject(s) do you teach?
Reading, writing, math, science, and social studies
What grade(s) do you teach?
Third grade
How long have you been teaching at SASD?
19 years
What is your favorite part about teaching?
I thrive on those lightbulb moments. When it all comes together for a student, and he or she says, “ Oh, now I get it!” Yup, those are the moments when I say to myself, “This is why you’re still a teacher!”
If you could teach another subject what would it be and why?
Chemistry. It was my favorite subject in high school. I enjoyed mixing different elements together. (Safely, of course.)
If you had gone into another profession, what would it be and why?
Most people would say I would be a librarian because I love books, but really I’d probably be a dermatologist. I’m kind of obsessed with Dr. Pimple Popper. I like guessing what the different cases might be. Is it a pilar cyst or a lipoma? It’s also a career path that helps people and I do like to help others. Had I been younger when her show first appeared, I’d be working alongside Dr. Sandra Lee in California.
What is one piece of advice you would share with your students?
To not underestimate the power of yet. For example: I haven’t learned it yet. It doesn’t work yet. I’m not good at this yet. It’s more powerful than don’t give up.
If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
I’d like to be able to teleport. I have no patience for driving long distances or really any distance for that matter. I could probably travel to a lot more places with the power of teleportation. Paris for a fresh croissant during my planning period? Don’t mind if I do.
How and when did you know teaching was what you wanted to do?
When I was in high school, my father sat me down and asked me what I wanted to study in college. I really didn’t have much of a clue what I wanted to become. I remember saying that I enjoyed working with kids. He suggested going to East Stroudsburg University to become a teacher. I agreed and off I went.
What is a joke you always keep in your pocket?
How do you make a tissue dance? You put a little boogie in it.
What will your life look like after you retire?
I’ll have my own bookstore. Hahn’s Books or something to that effect. They’ll be jazz music, coffee/tea, baked goods, a few dogs, and tons of great books organized beautifully. I’ve seen some bookshops that given me major anxiety by how willy- nilly they arrange their books. That will definitely not be the case at Hahn’s Books. Adults and kids can come and enjoy good literature and fellowship.
What is your favorite memory of teaching?
There are many of course, but one of the most recent happened around Thanksgiving this year. My class was performing various reader’s theater scripts. When we finished several students wanted extra copies to take home and perform with their siblings/cousins for their families. Anytime students want to extend learning beyond the classroom is a joyous and memorable occasion.
What is something that most people may not know about you?
I was a champion swimmer when I was a third grader.
What is a hidden talent of yours?
If napping was an olympic sport, I’d be a gold medalist.
What is one thing you wish people knew about teaching/teachers in general?
I wish people understood that teaching is a partnership. It takes the active involvement of students, teachers, parents, grandparents, and coaches to make learning truly happen.
What makes you smile?
My students and their silly sayings. I often feel like I am hosting the old t.v. show, Kids say the Darnest Things.
When you retire one day, what will you miss most about teaching?
I’ll miss being a teacher. It’s funny because I’ll be out shopping, at church, or at a resturant and someone will usually ask me if I’m a teacher. I smile and say proudly that I am. When I retire, my response will be that I was.
What is something your students have taught you?
My students have taught me not to take myself too seriously. They encourage me to smile, laugh, and enjoy the moment.
