Sixth Grade English Language Arts Teacher

"One thing no one can take from you is your education." I heard this mantra almost daily during my childhood and adolescence. My father never graduated from college, and my mother pursued her associate degree forty-three years after finishing high school. Their emphasis on education has been ingrained in me since I was young. My parents consistently emphasized the importance of learning and being accountable for my education throughout my educational journey. This truth is a lesson I have experienced firsthand in my fifteen years as a teacher, and it forms the foundation of why I chose to become an educator. I strive to continually pass this lesson on to all the students I have the privilege of teaching formally, as well as those I encounter through tutoring, Saturday programs, afterschool programs, or even brief interactions in the hallway between classes. As a Middle School Language Arts teacher, I am deeply committed to my role, striving each day to make a meaningful and lasting impact on my students' lives.

My teaching style focuses on building genuine connections with my students and making Language Arts and Literature (LAL) engaging and enjoyable. When students enter my classroom, I want them to leave their personal and academic struggles at the door, feeling comfortable and welcomed. Each day, I greet them with a smile, asking about their day, their sports games or performances, or how their family is doing. I want my students to know that I care about them not just as learners, but also as individuals outside of the classroom.

Personal Assistant

One of the leading factors that influenced my decision to work with children with special needs was my own struggle with dyslexia. My second-grade teacher was the first one to take notice. This teacher worked closely with my parents to assist in finding the right professionals to help me.
In addition, in the classroom she modified the testing approach to help me succeed. She allowed me to gain confidence as I worked on my reading. Her inspiration helped me to learn strategies to appropriately differentiate to meet my students’ needs. She taught me to always help my students strive towards their goals and to let them shine.

I’m currently in a gifted and talented school with four exceptional students. My responsibilities include helping them navigate their daily schedule in our large building and helping to implement strategies to help them succeed. What makes me exceptional in my position is my understanding that each one of my students is a unique individual with differing needs. This goes for both my special and average learners. My role is beyond fulfilling and essential to help my scholars succeed.