Why did you decide to become a teacher?

Inspiring students and “making a difference” are not just clichés, they are the cornerstone of the driving force for each individual that decides to make teaching their career decision. I am not just a person presenting boring facts and subjecting my students to open ended questions. I am instilling a love of learning, questioning, and critical thinking that will shape our future. Why did I become a teacher? I am making the world a better place, one student at a time.

What has been your most memorable moment as a teacher?

One year, I was placed is a co-teaching position. The classes were to teach English to non-native speakers. This, in fact, is my weakest subject to teach, so I placed myself second-in-command in the classroom that year. My co-teacher was experienced in the subject matter. My desk was in the back of the classroom and I did the best I could. 7 years later, I ran into a former student who thanked me for teaching her English. Perplexed, I asked her, “Did I really make an impact on you? I was a co-teacher in the back of the classroom.” She responded, “Of course, I jumped two levels up that year. I learned English before entering high school. If that’s not making an impact, I don’t know what is.”

What is your favorite part of Future Goals and how are you using it in your classroom?

The interactive parts of the program was my favorite part. Seeing the direct changes in mass and energy helped my students understand the connections between mass and speed. I used Future Goals as a supplement to learning.

What was your student’s reaction to the program?

Most enjoyed the course and thanked me for assigning it to them.

Who is your favorite hockey player?

Aleksander Barkov. Though the coaches inspire and lead in their own way, captains have a greater job. I believe players look up to their captains more than their coaches, because team captains are one of them. They are there side by side during those drills. They can speak to players one on one. Those are the types of connection you need to make a team work. I am proud of Aleksander Barkov for being the Team Captain of the Florida Panthers.