MY STORY

While teaching is truly the most incredible work I have ever done, I entered the field through a non-traditional path. I studied chemistry in college, went on to earn my PhD in chemistry, and spent the early years of my career as a research scientist, developing technologies to treat contaminants in the environment. While working as chemist, I always dabbled in teaching, and I felt particularly drawn to helping kids who struggled in a traditional educational setting.

The further I dove into teaching, the more I loved it, and I transitioned to full-time teaching in 2018. My favorite part of working as a research scientist was the puzzle-solving element. Now, when students face learning challenges, I am presented with an equally complex puzzle. What doesn’t the student know? What is holding the student back from learning the material? What barriers can I remove or supports can I provide to allow the student to move forward?

By organizing the complex puzzle into manageable sections, I show students the path forward to mastery. I help my students to set goals for themselves, and I give them the tools to build their own success. When the pieces align, I get to witness the genuine pride my students feel in themselves after they achieve what before seemed impossible. As far as I am concerned, I have the best job in the world.