Where do you teach?

Fort Dodge Senior High

What grade/subject do you teach? Ninth-grade English

Why do you teach?

I teach because I was inspired by previous teachers to be a part of something bigger than myself. I teach because I wholeheartedly believe that each child deserves to have adults in their lives who never give up on them.

What is your favorite part of the school day?

My favorite part of the school day is any time I get to be with students. I feed off their energy, and love being around them.

What are you working hardest on right now?

I am working hardest on leading my students to a place of independence. I want them to be OK with taking risks in their learning. I want to create an environment in the classroom where we celebrate triumph as much as we celebrate the work it took to get there.

What are you most proud of as a teacher?

I am most proud of the genuine connections I make with my students. I love having prior students come back to visit me and fill me in on what is going on in their lives.

What makes you happiest as a teacher?

I love seeing students find success through hard-work and tenacity. To see my students feel so confident when they nail something, whether it’s academic or sport/activity related, is one of my favorite things to experience alongside my students.

How do you contribute to/how are you involved in our community outside of school?

I have had the opportunity to serve on the board of directors for a local non-profit, Gateway to Discovery (a faith-based recovery program for women).

What are your interests/hobbies outside of school?

I love to train in powerlifting, or push myself in spin boot-camps. I love watching my two kids compete in their sports on the weeknights and weekends. My husband and I also love watching college football-GO DUCKS!

What do you wish your students/families knew about you?

I wish my students/families knew that I would do anything to protect them. I hold their mental and physical health as a top priority.

What does Together We Rise mean to you?

Together We Rise means we can conquer more when we are unified working toward a common goal than if we tried doing it all alone.