First Grade Teacher

I have always been fascinated by people. How complex we are, what drives us, what motivates us, what inspires us. As a child, I always wondered who and what I would become as an adult. I knew that whatever it was it would be something that involved children and community – two things I am most passionate about. I understood, very early, that the possibilities were endless with hard work, diligence, and commitment anything was possible for me. These are all values I learned from my parents, but they have also been instilled in me by many teachers throughout my years as a student. I was fortunate to have had teachers who majorly impacted and influenced my life.

My teachers and parents believed in me and that is something that I always carry with me and bring forth as an educator. I think it is vital that students learn and understand the importance of living in a democracy - that they understand the importance of such things as their freedom of speech, civic responsibility, and fundamental rights. Parents are children’s first educators, but teachers are also responsible for educating students about their liberties; their abilities to think critically; and how to be considerate, respectful citizens. These factors, among others, play an instrumental part in children’s progress into adulthood. As a teacher, I am awarded the opportunity to explore the crevices of young minds and provide confirmation that with drive, grit, determination, creativity, and ambition - the possibility of being successful in any profession, in their community, and as a citizen is within their grasp.

I know that my dreams have been fulfilled when I look back at the lives I have impacted through my role as a first-grade teacher. From buying sneakers for a child never prepared for gym, picking up a Christmas tree for a child haunted by familial financial issues, to creating healthy and positive spaces for students to thrive, and always making time for families that require assistance outside the realms of my classroom. I have attended countless ballet recitals, gymnastic and sporting events, asked to be a god-parent of a graduating eight-grader, visited churches to witness my scholars singing in choir, to paying respects to a fallen parent. When I buried my grandmother in 2021, I will never forget (and cannot capture in words) the feeling of seeing my sixth-grade teacher at the church to bid my grandmother farewell and pay respects to my family. These are the moments that humanize us all, that we cherish in our hearts, and hopefully use it as an inspiration to keep the magic in a continuum. This is the impact and the life of a teacher who not only leaves it all in the classroom but goes above and beyond without requirement but out of love.
I am a first-grade teacher – it is the only grade I have ever taught…and while it is at the onset of academia, I find it to be a truly remarkable space. There are not many places where you can experience so many firsts… from learning to read full on sentences, writing their full name, learning to tie shoes, first bouts of true independence, loss of a first tooth, first test of a friendship, to even a possible first field trip experience – all while developing deep, more complex interpersonal skills. If I have to say what is the most rewarding part of my career, it is the love, laughter, and lasting memories.

School Nurse

I wanted to be a nurse since I was very young, as my mother was one and I always admired her and wanted to be like her when I grew up. Stories of her work inspired me. I always wanted to work with newborns, and I was lucky enough to have a long career working with them, both sick and well. I was also interested in working with children in a school setting, so I returned to college and obtained my advanced degree in nursing and my school nurse certification. I grew up in Elizabeth and I wanted to work where I was raised and give back to the community.

This is my tenth year in school nursing, and I can honestly say that I really enjoy the challenges of working with children. Every day is different, and I have learned so much from my colleagues. I work in a school for students aged Kindergarten to eighth grade, so with such a wide range of ages brings many challenges. I enjoy teaching students who have chronic illnesses to try to best manage their illness and help them learn to recognize and navigate complications which may occur. I provide health screenings on students and notify parents of follow-up care required. I see students who are ill, treat student and employee injuries, and follow up with parents regarding further medical care. I also work closely with administrative staff as needed. My goal is to have students healthy and in school so they can be at their best for learning, which involves ongoing communication with parents as far as medical follow-up for illness and injury. I educate staff on health-related topics, coordinate the AED team, and moderate drills throughout the school year. I also maintain health records and submit district and state reports. Students who come to my office are sure to be seen with kindness, care, and compassion, as that is what a nurse encompasses.