Grades/subjects you teach: 4th and 5th Grades/Math and Science
Education: I graduated from Chatham Central High School, Sandhills Community College (associate degree), St. Andrews Presbyterian College (bachelor’s degree)
Brief work history: I have worked at J.S. Waters Elementary School since 2003. I began working as a teacher assistant while completing my Bachelor’s degree. This year will be my 17th year at J.S. Waters, my 14th year as a teacher.
Teaching honors/awards: I was named the 2019-2020 teacher of the year. In 2017, I was chosen as the NCCTM (N.C. Council of Teachers of Mathematics) Math Teacher of the year for Chatham County. I also served as Teacher of the Year for my school during the 2007-2008 school year.
Hobbies/interests outside teaching: Running, hiking, reading
What led you to a career as a teacher? I had many, many great teachers growing up. I had one high school math teacher, in particular, who changed my outlook on math. I had always had difficulty with math beginning in 3rd grade. I really had to work hard to make good grades. Then, I had an awesome math teacher in high school who changed my thoughts about math. She made math concepts click for me, and turned a once difficult subject into my favorite subject ever! I knew that if one teacher could change my life like that, I wanted to do the same for others. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a teacher and make a positive change in the lives of young people.
Who were your favorite teachers as you went through school, and what did you learn from them? As a student, I attended both Bennett Elementary School and Chatham Central High School. I had so many wonderful teachers, I can’t name them all. From elementary to high school, I was surrounded by teachers who loved their job, were great mentors, very supportive, and who always encouraged me to do my best. I feel truly blessed to be a product of Chatham County Schools.
Has becoming a teacher been all you expected it would be? Yes and more! I expected that I would enjoy teaching, but teaching has been so much more rewarding than I could have ever expected. Everyday as a teacher is a gift. Everyday brings new challenges, accomplishments, and joy. There is never a dull moment in the teaching profession and I love it!
How has teaching changed since you were a student? I remember as a student there was a great deal of whole group instruction with the teacher in the front of the room and the students listening. Now, we do a lot of small group instruction. We differentiate for students as needed and teachers act as facilitators to guide students within the classroom. Also, there has been a huge change in technology since I was in school. I can remember visiting the computer lab once a week and now our students are one-to-one when it comes to laptops. What an amazing difference technology has made!
What “makes your day” as a teacher? I love it when I see a student’s face light up because they have finally mastered a tough concept/skill. I love to hear a student say, “I can do this, math is easy.” I love when I see students excited to work in math and/or science groups.
What’s working in schools today? I feel like teachers are really working hard to make our students successful 21st century learners. My school is a place where you can see learning take place each and everyday. My whole school does a great job working together to support students in every aspect. We work as a team for the good of everyone involved.
What’s not working? I wish we would see a decrease in the amount of testing/assessing.
What’s your favorite memory of your first year as a teacher? Seeing the positive difference I was making in the lives of my students. What a wonderful experience to see them grow!
How would your “teacher” persona handle you as a student? I think we would get along well. As a student I was quiet, I liked to follow the rules, but enjoyed having fun too. As a teacher, I enjoy having fun with my students, but I also establish a strong system of rules and respect.
Best piece of advice for other teachers? Love your job and give 110 percent. You will never regret it. Make connections with your students.
For students? Always work hard and do your best! Never give up! Believe in yourself.
For parents? Always reach out to your child’s teacher if you have questions and concerns and stay involved with your child, help them with homework, and support their academic goals.
What about your job would surprise your non-teaching friends the most? I think they would be surprised by how much time I spend at school after hours and how much schoolwork I take home each day, even on the weekends.
If you could somehow magically instill one truth into the heads of your students, what would it be? You can do anything you set your mind to. Don’t ever give up on your dreams!
When you think about today’s kids, you: See our future
If one of your students was asked for a one-word description of you by a student who hadn’t had you in class, what would that one word be? Fun
How would you summarize your teaching philosophy? I believe that all students CAN learn. I believe in building relationships with my students that are based on fairness and trust.
What five things must every teacher know?
1. You need to love your job!
2. Always be prepared.
3. Every child can learn. Show every child you believe in them.
4. Treat each student the way you would have wanted to be treated as a student.
5. Give 110 percent. You won’t regret it!
What’s special about your classroom? It is a place where learning and fun take place everyday. It is a place where mistakes can be made. My classroom is a place where everyone can feel safe, accepted, and valued.
What’s special about your school? We are a small K-8 school. We know everyone by name. It’s like we are a big family...it’s great! You are not just a number, you are a person at our school.
The most unusual question you’ve ever gotten from a student? “Was TV in color when you were born?” And: “Do you live at school?”