Rationale

When I was a family case manager for the Indiana Department of Child Services in 2006, I saw firsthand the challenging circumstances too many children face. I saw them navigate struggles that would be difficult for many adults to endure. As I met with these children, I realized the one constant in their lives was school and their teachers. I saw the impact that one loving teacher can have in the daily life and future of a child. I became convicted that I needed to become a teacher because that was the best way to make a difference. My goal then and now is to be an encouraging, loving, and positive influence for students and to push them to grow and succeed socially, emotionally, and academically. Education can alter the course of a student's life. There are few more important things I could do with my own life.

I have been fortunate to have many mentors along the way in my 12 years of teaching - selfless educators who have helped me meet the needs of diverse learners, create engaging lessons, and effectively manage classrooms. Although I currently provide support and guidance to many teachers in my building, I want to make it my full time mission so I can impact more educators and learners. I want to help other teachers create loving classroom communities where students are engaged and successful.

I am excited about the direction Henderson County Schools is heading with literacy using FPC, and I want to be an influencer perpetuating it. I want to help build a culture of literacy where all students are excited about reading and writing.