How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?
I was the kid who would play teacher and make my family members pretend to be in my class. I knew from a young age that I wanted to help others. I took every chance I could get to teach, like holding tennis lessons, holding tutoring sessions while in high school and serving as a supplemental instructor in college. My passion for sharing knowledge (especially about history) is a driving force in my life. Delta Zeta helped me do this through numerous leadership opportunities. My most memorable was my time as Ritual Chair, as I was able to share the history and significance behind our rituals with our newest members!
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from them?
My mentor teacher from my time student teaching is one of many invaluable mentors in my professional career. Aside from pedagogy and classroom management strategies, from her I learned to be real and unapologetically myself in the classroom. She showed me that it is okay to be ME, that teachers do not have to step into “character” to be a teacher. This has made me more comfortable in sharing my personality with my students. This has made our classroom a safe space where they know that individually they are loved, respected and cared for, for who they are. She also showed me that it is okay to make mistakes. Sometimes lessons don’t work! It happens and it is okay, just be flexible and try again tomorrow!
How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?
By finding your online community! We live in the 21st century and have so many wonderful tools at our disposal, we can connect with like-minded professionals far and wide. Almost every social media platform has a place for your professional community. Find those who inspire you, and join the online conversation!
How have friendships helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
As a teacher, friendships are essential to survival! My teacher friends are the people I can lean on if I need a shoulder to cry on, a laugh or a piece of candy to make it through the day! I am lucky to have a good handful of Delta Zeta sisters that have been behind me every step of the way on my career journey. The first is one of my roommates Megan W. She supported me through my student teaching semester and continues to know just when I need a little pick-me-up! Another sister that has been behind me is my diamond big, Meagan. She is a teacher, too, so she knows exactly what I am experiencing, and she can listen to me talk about my lessons and data without getting bored!