Arizona Coyotes January 2023 Teacher of the Month
Future GoalsTM Program
Arizona Coyotes January 2023 Teacher of the Month
Tell us about yourself!
I have taught sixth grade at a Title I school for six years. I decided to become a teacher because I had amazing teachers growing up. They inspired me to work hard and keep learning. I now work in the same district that I grew up in and it’s very humbling knowing they are now my peers. I love the magic of teaching! I get to build a community with my students and watch them grow and learn and just be part of their lives. Teaching also challenges me to go above and beyond for my students and school. I serve as my school’s Student Council Sponsor, Social Media Manager, and PTO President, which have allowed me to build many community partnerships that help benefit our staff, students, and school. I have also helped organize various drives, fundraisers, and initiatives that have helped our families and local community.
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 the Financial Literacy game. My students come from low socioeconomic backgrounds and financial literacy is something they’re just not familiar with. Future Goals allows my students access to this vital information in an interactive and engaging way! STEM is essentially critical thinking and problem solving in various situations. STEM in hockey comes down to the ice, puck, stick, and player. The player must take the other three into consideration to “problem solve” (score a goal). The speed and balance of the player on the ice, the energy used when hitting the puck with the stick, the angle at which the puck is hit, and the player’s quick decisions about all of these things are great examples of how much STEM is embedded in the game of hockey!
Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?
My favorite NHL player is Willie O’Ree. Athletes are people who kids look up to and he has used his career for good. He is an idol to many, but I especially love how he traveled the country and visited schools, juvenile detention centers, and Boys and Girls Clubs to encourage kids to achieve their goals and maybe even get into the game of hockey!
If you played hockey, what position would you play and why?
If I played hockey, I would play as a defender. This would be a great position for me because defenders have to make quick decisions and work together to achieve a common goal. I already do this daily with my teammates and can think of many coworkers who I would want and trust to be by my side in tough spot!