Tell us about yourself!

Currently, I teach 6th grade science in the ICT (integrated co-teaching) setting, at Wagner Middle School located in Manhattan, NY. I’ve been teaching for about 15 years now, but I didn’t always start out teaching middle school. I started out teaching high school science, but I soon switched to middle school because of the excitement and wonder of 6th graders! I decided to teach 6th grade bc I love being able to engage students in experiments and activities that explore the natural world around us and our human impact on them. Outside of the classroom, I co-plan and co-facilitate professional learning sessions to other teachers through Urban Advantage Middle School Science Initiative and I’m a Master Teacher Fellow at Math for America. I also love exploring NYC with my 5yo son, Ethan!

What is your favorite part of the Future Goals™ program? How do you see STEM in the game of hockey?

My favorite part of the Future Goals program is seeing my students’ faces as they have fun! The simulations and activities are well thought out, and hone in on specific science concepts that students are curious about. Future Goals has a “real-life” application that helps students visualize the connection between science, tech, engineering, math and now, athletics! It’s an excellent reinforcement of concepts. Because I have several students that play hockey, they are especially engaged.

Who is your favorite NHL player?

Adam Fox who is a defenseman on the NY Rangers is not only a great player but he also grew up in Jericho, NY and went to Harvard for his college education, & won the Norris trophy as the best defenseman in the NHL in the 20-21 season. I think this makes him an inspiration to local student hockey athletes & therefore my favorite!

If you played hockey, what position would you play and why?

If I were a hockey player, my student Jacob thinks I would be a center. He explained that when you are a center, you are playing everywhere and trying to organize your teammates. He thinks this is very similar to being a teacher because centers are constantly teaching, organizing and adjusting based on things that are going on around. Because of this, he has convinced me that I really would be a great center!