Grades/subjects you teach: K-4 physical Education
E-mail address: writter@chatham.k12.nc.us
Date, place of birth: July 21 in Asheboro
Education: North Moore High School; UNC-Greensboro (BS-Exercise and Sports Science), North Carolina A&T State University (MS-Physical Education),
Brief work history: I started my teaching career at Bennett Elementary School teaching middle school math in 1994. I taught middle school math for 10 years between Chatham and Moore counties. In 2004 I transferred to physical education at Westmoore Elementary School, the elementary school that I attended growing up. In 2006 I started my current position at Siler City Elementary teaching physical education.
Teaching honors/awards: National Board Certified Early and Middle Childhood Physical Education, 2019-2020 Siler City Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Hobbies/interests outside teaching: I enjoy cycling, gardening and being at the beach.
Family: I have two sisters, one older and one younger, one niece and three nephews.
On teaching:
What led you to a career as a teacher? My mom was a teacher and I enjoy teaching people how to do things. I loved playing sports and moving all the time. Teaching physical education allows me to do these things everyday.
Who were your favorite teachers as you went through school, and what did you learn from them? Pam Wallace was one of my favorite coaches. She pushed me to work hard in order to achieve my goals.
Has becoming a teacher been all you expected it would be? Becoming a teacher has been a wonderful experience. Seeing former students and them remembering things that I taught them makes me smile. I enjoy seeing all of the accomplishments of my former students and know that I was a part of their lives.
How has teaching changed since you were a student? Respect for others has really gone out the window.
What “makes your day” as a teacher? Seeing all of my students makes my day.
What’s working in schools today? Teachers are working hard.
What’s not working? I think discipline in our schools is not working. I think loss of respect in our society is impacting student behavior.
What’s your favorite memory of your first year as a teacher? I started as a first year teacher at Bennett Elementary School. This was the perfect place to start as a first year teacher will all the supportive staff and students. I still work with many of the staff and students that I taught my first year.
How would your “teacher” persona handle you as a student? Have high expectations for me and I will do my very best to give you what you expect.
Best piece of advice for other teachers? Work hard, you will enjoy teaching and make a positive impact on your students.
For students? Do your very best, be kind and treat others the way that you want to be treated.
For parents? Pay attention to your children, they need you.
If you were superintendent for a day, you’d: Retire; I enjoy working directly with our students.
What about your job would surprise your non-teaching friends the most? People would be surprised how active I am all day interacting will all of my students.
If you could somehow magically instill one truth into the heads of your students, what would it be? You can do it.
When you think about today’s kids, you: I think how important it is to prepare our students for the 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
Favorite movie about school or teaching: “The Blind Side”
How would you summarize your teaching philosophy? My teaching philosophy is to teach as hard as you can, treat everyone equally and instill in everyone that they can be successful.
What five things must every teacher know? Be organized, be prepared, be fair, be consistent, work hard
What’s special about your classroom? I teach skills, games and activities that everyone loves and can use throughout their life.
What’s special about your school? We are one big family.
The most unusual question you’ve ever gotten from a student? Are you older than dirt?