Resource Center Teacher 

The main factor that influenced me to become a teacher is that my grandmother was a teacher for many years, and she would always tell me stories about her teaching career and how much she loved it. What really influenced me the most though was that many years after my grandmother retired, we would be out at a store, and one of her students would recognize her and they would get so excited to see her and say how much she influenced them to become a greater person, and this exact situation happened to her several times. I could not believe how much my grandmother inspired others and just getting to see the look on my grandmother's face with such excitement and pride when she saw her students again made me really want to go into teaching. As a special education teacher, I feel as though I get to help and contribute to the success of my students and getting the opportunity to help my students discover new things is so exciting. There is nothing greater than seeing a student happy to be in school and happy to be learning. Teaching is not someone who teaches something, but someone who inspires the student to give their best in order to discover what they already know.

As a special education teacher for four years now, my philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student deserves an education that is tailored to their unique needs and abilities. I believe in the power of education to unlock the potential of every learner, regardless of their background, abilities, or challenges. In my classroom, I prioritize building relationships with my students and their families, creating a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and respected. I believe in the importance of collaborative partnerships between families, educators, and other professionals involved in a student’s education, to ensure that we are working together to meet the student’s individual needs.

Language Learning Disability (LLD) Assistant

I have been a member of the Elizabeth Public Schools learning community since 2016 and have served as a Language Learning Disabilities teacher assistant at iPrep Academy School No. 8. Growing up in my community, I was very blessed to have had such great teachers to influence me. Assisting students with academic work and with special activities is a way that I can give back and be part of our young learners’ growth and development.