Colorado Avalanche Teacher Highlight and Most Valuable Teacher Nominee!

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I want to be able to help girls and boys reach their full potential. As a career changer myself, I know the importance of figuring out your passion when younger so as not to spend a lot of time doing a “job” that doesn’t provide fulfillment.

What has been your most memorable moment as a teacher?

I was inspired to start an African-American girls STEM group several years ago at my school to show girls that they could work in Science Technology Engineering and Math careers. I was selected Teacher of the Year for my school primarily for the work that I was doing to help my students and the girls in the group to see a future in STEM. My most memorable moment was when the superintendent presented me with the award kept telling me to “keep doing the work that you are doing”. Another memorable moment is when the girls completed the first year of the program and we had an award ceremony to honor the girls and the role models that volunteered their time over the course of the school year.

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

My favorite part is the independence that allows the students to work at their own pace either at home or in the classroom. I use it to reinforce skills (geometry) and for independent practice for remote learning days.

What was your student’s reaction to the program?

The students’ generally enjoy the program and it’s STEM focus. They like that it is real life rather than just a random curriculum with random content. They can relate to the home team and are excited about the Avalanche. Last year’s classes were very excited to know that they could possibly have an actual Avalanche team member visit our school.

Who is your favorite NHL®  player and why?

My favorite player is Madison Bowie of the Detroit Red Wings because he looks like me and he uses his celebrity to inspire kids of color to participate in what is not a traditionally a sport that we would pursue.