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1.) Tell us about your role as an educator. What does your typical day look like?

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I am currently an Instructional Technologist. In this role, I support teachers and schools with implementing innovative instructional strategies. There is no typical day for me. I support seven different schools four out of the five days of the week. I schedule each school twice a month and my day at the school depends on the needs of the school and the goals of the administration in collaboration with the goals of the school district. Every day is spent supporting teachers and administrators.

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2.)  What’s your education philosophy summed up in one sentence?

 

I believe education should focus on pulling out the untapped greatness already in our students to empower them to be the best them they can be.

 

3.) Why did you become an educator?

 

I became an educator so that I would have the opportunity to change a broken system. I believe students deserve to have opportunities that I never had, and I can provide them with those experiences and opportunities. There is no better way to change the world than by inspiring and empowering the youth of today who are the leaders of tomorrow.

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4.) As an SCASCD Emerging Leader, how do you hope to have a greater effect on education in your community and beyond?

 

As an SCASCD Emerging Leader, I hope to have a greater effect on education in my community and beyond through networking and collaborating with fellow like-minded educators throughout the state. I look forward to learning with and from other educators and then taking what I’ve learned and sharing with my community of teachers that I support.

 

5.) What types of professional development (books, DVDs, webinars, courses) have made a difference in your career?

 

There are many different types of professional development that have made a difference in my career. Books like The First Day of School by Harry Wong, Teach Like Your Hair is On Fire by Rafe Esquith, and The Essential 55 by Ron Clark were really beneficial at the beginning of my career. When I transitioned with the Instructional Technology realm, webinars and courses from the Microsoft Educator community and Simple K12 have been beneficial, as well as books such as Empower by John Spencer and A.J. Juliani and Start with Why by Simon Sinek have made a difference. I also enjoy listening to podcasts and attending conferences.

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6.) Was there a pivotal moment when you realized your career choice in education was the correct one? Describe that time.   

 

I don’t think I could name a specific time, but every time I see a former student and they tell me about how well they’re doing and how I have impacted their views on school and life helps me see that this was the correct career choice for me.

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7.) If you could make one major change in education, what would it be?

 

If I could make one major change in education, I would take away the focus on grades and put more emphasis on just creating student-centered learning environments and experiences that engage and inspire students.

 

8.) What is your most rewarding experience as an educator?

 

My most rewarding experience as an educator is just seeing how I have had and continue to have an impact on former students. Just being able to see them years later and have them tell me about how they still remember experiences we shared and lessons they’ve learned- in academics and life in general- is extremely rewarding to me.