At which school in the district do you teach?
Stroudsburg High School
What subject(s) do you teach?
Social Studies
What grade(s) do you teach?
10-12
How long have you been teaching at SASD?
This is my second year teaching at SASD. Last year, I was split between Junior High
School and High School. This year, I am fully at the High School.
What is your favorite part about teaching?
I love making some small impact in student’s lives. Whether that is a newfound love
for social studies or a trusted adult that they can share their triumphs and
shortcomings with. I will always be my students’ biggest cheerleader!
If you could teach another subject what would it be and why?
English – I love to read! It is my favorite pastime and I love the creativity of students.
If you had gone into another profession, what would it be and why?
I initially thought I wanted to be a lawyer because I loved to talk about legal issues
and honestly argue a little bit.
What is one piece of advice you would share with your students?
Always put in your best effort. You may not be good at something or understand it,
but putting in your best effort goes a long way with people.
If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
I think I would love and hate the ability to read minds. It gives you a chance to hear
what people think, but sometimes that could also be a negative!
How and when did you know teaching was what you wanted to do?
My senior year of high school. I had a few amazing teachers who helped me through
some tough family and friend losses during my junior and senior years. They
provided the needed support and compassion that I needed and I knew then I
wanted to have other students experience that.
What is a joke you always keep in your pocket?
I’m a sucker for puns, especially social studies puns. Brutus was the original
backstabber!
Who do you look up to?
My mom. She has been through so much in her life and has continued to be a loving
support for not only her children but her parents who now require a lot of
assistance. I always strive to give others the compassion and support that my mom
shows me.
What will your life look like after you retire?
Reading books and having my library in my house and hopefully a family to
surround me with.
What is your favorite memory of teaching?
The success stories I have of former students who were struggling and found a way
to turn it around against all of the adversity they faced. It makes me so proud to see
them walk across the stage at graduation with a new plan for their life.
What is something that most people may not know about you?
I recently developed an allergy to kiwis which is sad because I LOVE kiwis.
What is a hidden talent of yours?
I am very good at brain games and sudokus.
What is your proudest achievement?
Playing field hockey at Wilkes University and winning our conference in 2013
sending us to the NCAA tournament.
What is one thing you wish people knew about teaching/teachers in general?
It is hard work – our day isn’t just 7 am to 2:30 pm. We constantly worry about lesson
plans, our students, and getting things done in the year, and much of this is done
outside of the school day. Given all of that – it is such a rewarding career that is
worth the extra effort.
What makes you smile?
My husband and cats – I love jokes and they both provide me with some comedic
relief in a day.
When you retire one day, what will you miss most about teaching?
The teaching. I love being able to teach kids things they never knew. And the kids in
general. Teenagers can teach you so much!
What is something your students have taught you?
Facts are forgotten, but feelings last forever. People will never remember the stuff
you tell them the facts they learn, but they will remember how you made them
feel and how you treated them.
