Why did you decide to become a teacher?

Growing up I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I’m a third generation teacher that knows teachers are fundamental to students, their parents and community. I’ve had amazing role models to follow in their path that started with my 1 st grade teacher that helped me through the struggle of reading to my 5 th and 6 th grade teachers who were sisters that allowed me to fall in love with reading to my high school teacher who called me zipper lips because I barely talked. With the combined 82 years of teaching that my parents had, the going into school on Sundays, the correcting at home and the continuing education I saw them have has instilled my values…. I thrive in my classroom with bonds with my students that have lasted my career.

What has been your most memorable moment as a teacher?

My most memorable moments as a teacher has actually this year. Being a teacher this year has brought on a new level of education and skill sets. I’ve continued my learning on how to be an effective teacher during distance learning and navigate technology issues with students through a screen, listening to my students is essential when they were feeling overwhelmed, I’m always on the hunt to find new activities to engage my students in learning, I tutor throughout the day or just have a google meet where students can come in and work, this winter I was nominated by a student to Heart of Education by a student that stated that I answer her questions and understand her question and that she states “She always believes in me and helps me believe in myself.” is honestly a gift in itself. Every year I thrive in my classroom with bonds with my students that have lasted my career. One of my greatest joys is previous students stopping by to give me a snapshot of their life.

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

My favorite part of Future Goals is that it incorporates STEM and hockey together. I also enjoy that if the students don’t get a high score they can redo the assignment with the understanding that when things aren’t easy you don’t give up. I use it in the classroom on a weekly basis with my students by assigning one part a week. They are able to pick what part they want to complete and then we discuss any problems that occurred in their activity. It is so important to teach the students that STEM can be incorporated in many aspects of the “real world” especially sports.

What was your student’s reaction to the program?

Many of my students are super excited about the course while a small group struggle with the concepts. The part that they struggle with is they think if they do it once they are done or they try to do it really fast without reading the information but they need to persevere to work on areas that they struggle with. Many of the students are intrigued to know what all goes into hockey that they did not realize.

Who is your favorite NHL Player?

Marc-André Fleury is my favorite NHL player because he is a joy to watch. He honestly loves to play the game and that is very apparent any time he is interviewed. I remember when he was first drafted to Vegas and I was super excited to watch his excitement on the ice. He continues to be such an important part to our team and his saves are crazy with his athleticism.