Currituck County Schools

When I reflect on the last fifteen years, my heart is overwhelmed with joy and fulfillment as I think about the students that I have been blessed to call “my kids”. My greatest contributions and accomplishments lie within their minds, experiences, and in the future that they have created for themselves and their families. In my classroom, my number one priority is to put relationships and mutual respect first. No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship. Believe it or not, my heart is the fullest when teaching at-risk students. When trust is established, I have a knack for breaking down walls, opening their minds to being successful in math, and increasing their academic productivity. My classroom culture is one of empowerment, routine, and comfort. It has grown more and more organized and engaging over time. Purposeful lesson design affects my student’s behavior by making them participate more during class; they are more engaged and complete work on time. I do not sweat the little things, but rather encourage each student to work to their full potential. Challenging and changing students’ math mindsets is a daily uphill battle; a challenge that takes patience and nurturing. Students often see mistakes as failures. My goal is to teach them to see mistakes as opportunities to grow and deepen their understanding of complex concepts. I believe this is where my experience as a high school and collegiate athlete, as well as a coach, gives me a leg up in the classroom. I want students to realize that it is not about doing math perfectly. Mathematical learning is about bringing consistent effort. Determination in the productive struggle is the vehicle for celebrated change in my students, and the journey itself allows confidence to triumph.