Model Teachers

Content: Social Studies 6
School: Gildersleeve Middle
Years Taught: 27

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I am passionate about supporting fellow teachers because I remember what it was like to be new. I like collaborating with teachers because sharing ideas and bouncing things off one another sparks creativity, which leads to engaging instruction for students. After all, we're here for STUDENTS.

After more than two decades in the classroom, I feel I have many tools in my "toolbox" that teachers can take back to their classrooms. I enjoy attending professional developments and classroom observations that provide me with strategies and materials that I can immediately use in my class.

What word best describes you as a teacher and why?
I can't pick one! Energetic, Collaborator, Entertaining.

Content: Social Studies 7
School: BT Washington Middle
Years Taught: 12

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I am passionate about supporting fellow teachers because I want to see everyone win. I want to share my love of and enthusiasm for educating. I want others to be inspired after sharing their content. I want to share best practices and the joy of connecting with students and building relationships. Knowing the content is great, but connecting and setting up a situation where others are inspired to learn what you love is the most rewarding accomplishment.

What word best describes you as a teacher and why?
Energetic is the word that comes to mind. Every day I have the opportunity to influence someone to fall in love with education, school, or history. I literally attempt to bring history alive.  I am animated and enthused. I have high energy to keep the students engaged, sometimes entertained, and always involved. Students anticipate and try to predict what I am going to do, say, sing, or model each class. It's an environment where students feel comfortable to be vulnerable and take risks. The classroom is managed because no one wants to be the one that disrupts the "show." I truly believe that education can be fun in any subject.  My hook is the energy; it reels them in and I keep them engaged with activities that they can connect with.  I want my students to leave my classroom feeling that they have been impacted in a positive way. The joy and energy make it easy to build trust and maintain positive relationships.

Why do you love working in NNPS?
NNPS took a chance on me when all I had was an expired provisional license and promise. I have always felt so supported while working with NNPS. I have worked as daily sub, long-term sub, temporary teacher, and finally a contracted teacher. On this long journey, I have had so many mentors that have not allowed me to settle or give up. I have learned so many valuable lessons; I learned how to become a successful teacher. So many people that have trained me, modeled best practices for me, and pulled me up. I want to do the same for someone else. This district is like a family. I really feel like I am seen and that I make a difference. There is no other district like Newport News. I may not have started in this district, but this is the place where I am supposed to be. I belong here and I want to reciprocate and return all that has been given to me over the past 10 years.