At which school in the district do you teach?
I teach at both the Junior High and High School
What subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Social studies, currently covering both American histories at the Junior high, as well as Pop Culture and 20/21st century at the High School level
What grade(s) do you teach?
I currently cover 8th up to 12th grade
How long have you been teaching at SASD?
This is my first year at Stroudsburg!
What is your favorite part about teaching?
Waking up each day ready to talk about stuff that I find interesting or unique in the world around us
If you could teach another subject what would it be and why?
I feel like it would be fun to teach some Biology stuff, especially about animals and ecosystems. When I was younger I loved animals and I think it would be fun to teach that stuff
If you had gone into another profession, what would it be and why?
I was already in both Pharmaceutical Advertising and healthcare so I think teaching is probably the best thing I have done so far
What is one piece of advice you would share with your students?
Don’t be afraid of failure. Failure is a part of learning, the only thing you should be afraid of is not trying
If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
If I had to choose, I think teleportation would be cool. I could get a few extra hours of sleep and then just teleport over! Also, all that gas money that could be saved
How and when did you know teaching was what you wanted to do?
It was when I was in my sales job. I kept being chosen as the sales trainer for new hires and I realized that I really enjoyed the teaching part of the job. I hated everything else so I decided maybe get a teaching degree/certification
What is a joke you always keep in your pocket?
I’m big into dad jokes, so if a kid complains about being tired or hungry I just say it’s nice to meet them…none of my students think I’m funny
Who do you look up to?
It’s nerdy but Captain America. I think it speaks volumes that someone with no superpowers can fight and lead a team of superheroes
What will your life look like after you retire?
I think I might sub for a while and when I am tired of that maybe move down south
What is your favorite memory of teaching?
Right now I don’t have one yet, but I am excited to make them!
What is something that most people may not know about you?
I worked in the service industry while pursuing my Master’s degree, and I won an award for it
What is a hidden talent of yours?
I have a full degree that has given me a skill set to know how people think and how their minds work, separate from my teaching certification
What is your proudest achievement?
I think it was when I got my Eagle Scout Award. It was a major accomplishment in my life that I still refer to today
What is one thing you wish people knew about teaching/teachers in general?
That there are very few off days. Whether planning for the next lesson or making new material, teachers work almost every day during the school year
What makes you smile?
Seeing kids understand or get into history more. There are some really cool stuff that has happened in the past
When you retire one day, what will you miss most about teaching?
Impacting kids and helping them grow.
What is something your students have taught you?
Not every lesson is going to work, not every worksheet is going to be perfect, just take the hit and move on