What’s the biggest challenge or surprise you have come across so far in the classroom? 

The biggest surprise has been realizing just how much a teacher’s energy and emotional tone impacts the energy and tone of the class. When I’m having a bad day, kids are usually having a bad day too. Negativity and low energy are contagious. It has made me be a lot more intentional about taking care of my mental health and ensuring that I bring a positive mindset to class every day.

What’s the biggest lesson your kids have taught you? 

To not be afraid to speak the truth.  

What’s your favorite school supply?

The Flip Chart Markers with the round tip.

What is your proudest moment in the classroom?

Our classroom team has created a classroom culture of love, both of each other and of learning. Kids are continually excited to learn and express a love for school, their teachers, and their peers. Seeing high academic achievement results is rewarding, but knowing that we are building a love of learning that could last a lifetime is even more exciting.

What about the funniest?

I got back from vacation on a Sunday 1 am flight and had this interaction with a student that Monday:

Student: "You're really disorganized today." 

Me: "I know right?" 

Student: "At least you can go home to your cat later."

Me: "True."

She then left me a card on my table at the end of the day. It said: "Enjoy being home with your cat!"

What do you like to do in your downtime?

I like to spend time with people I care about, explore D.C., and catch up on sleep. I have come to appreciate sleep so much more as a teacher.

Are there any projects you’ve undertaken with your students recently that you’re especially proud of?

For one, we studied the poem "Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou and then students wrote a letter to a phenomenal woman in their lives. I then hung them up in the hallway outside our classroom. For the other project, students were assigned a Women's History Hero and had to research the person and create a poster to present to the class.