Teaching

Teaching Philosophy

The most memorable and impactful teachers are the ones who focus on the student as a human being. Students won’t remember their scores on their tests, but they will remember that teacher who had a fun classroom and made true connections. My teaching philosophy focuses on relationships & classroom culture, learning through struggle (hands-on activities), and assessments based on skill, not on a number grade scale.

My teaching philosophy begins with relationships and classroom culture. I believe students learn best from teachers that they respect and also enjoy being around. The best compliment I received from a student during the first week of school was that they “love my vibes”. That means they will keep coming back to class and be a willing participant.

I also believe that true learning comes from struggle, or trial-and-error. Students need hands-on experiences to work on problem solving skills in real time. I love to present students with a problem, or a prompt, and let them find ways to solve that problem or present their findings in a way that works for them.

In my 13 years of teaching, I’ve come to realize that the 1-100 grading scale does not accurately depict if a student has learned a skill or not. Students who make an attempt at learning a new skill do not fail my class, and will keep trying instead of feeling defeated by failing with their first attempt.

Through relationships, classroom culture, hands-on activities, and a grading scale to better assess skills, I hope to continue to make an impact in my classroom and in my community for years to come.

Professional Development Courses Taught

MS One Act Play Workshop, NEISD 2024
Flip Your Grading, NEISD 2022
Centering Dialogue, Harris Middle School, 2021
Social & Emotional Learning for Teachers, Harris Middle School NEISD 2019

Awards & Honors

Superintendent’s Award 2013 & 2020, NEISD

UIL Middle School OAP 3rd place, 2018, NEISD

NEISD Middle School Speech Cup Runner Up, 2022

Summa Cum Laude Honoree, 2022, International School of the Americas, NEISD

Summa Cum Laude Honoree, 2024, LEE High School, NEISD

Volunteer of the Month, LEE High School, February 2025