Who/what inspired you to enter into the education field? 

Mrs. Griffin my kindergarten teacher. She always made learning fun and I spend many days playing school and dreamed of being a teacher just like her!

Tell us about your family? (children, pets, etc) 

My husband (Chris) and I have been married for 20 years. We have one son Brayden who is 13 and is in the high school marching band here in Estill County. This year they won the State Championship. We have a mini schnauzer named Lucy! She is spoiled rotten and a huge part of our family.

What is your Teacher Leader Mission? YOUR WHY in the classroom? How do you #LeadTheCHARGE daily? 

I strive daily to create a positive environment that supports individual and collaborative learning where my students are actively engaged. My WHY is that I love what I do and I love my students and want to make a difference in their lives. I teach Social Studies and history is my passion….I lead the CHARGE daily by trying to get my students involved and interested in history.

What is one attribute of leadership that you think is critical to possess as a Teacher Leader? Why? 

Making sure that you work with all stakeholders involved in a student’s life. Parents, community, other teachers, and administration all play a huge role in student success.

What are ways that you engage families as part of the learning in your classroom/school? 

We have Family Fun Nights in our school where we engage families in curriculum, projects, and crafts. In addition, I communicate daily with my parents on classroom DOJO to explain what we are doing/learning in class.

What “fingerprint” or lasting impression do you want to leave at your school or on your students? 

That I made a difference in my student’s lives. That I left a fingerprint on their heart…they will remember that I not only taught them but loved them.

How do you maximize the strengths of those around you? 

Collaborate and a lot of discussion on what works best for students. We share our ideas without competition and work together to get the job done.

What do you like most about teaching? 

My school family, that includes not only my students but the staff. Working together and letting each other know that they are loved and cared for under this roof!