What is your best bit of advice?

My best bit of advice is “nobody plans to fail but people fail to plan.” I catch myself saying it all the time. During this pandemic, planning is crucial. Making sure everybody is on the same page and has the same information is important and applicable to a lot of situations too.

Why do you teach? What is your teaching philosophy?

I teach because I really enjoyed some of my teachers during my education. I want to be “that teacher” for students. I also love coaching. Getting to see kids outside of the classroom is awesome. For me, there’s nothing better than seeing a kid successful inside and outside the classroom.

I’d say my philosophy is that every kid can be successful. I know it sounds cliché, but I really believe that every kid can be successful in school. I try to be the teacher that allows kids to be successful and reach their potential regardless of their circumstances.

How have you adjusted your teaching/coaching philosophy over the years?

I don’t know if I’ve really changed my philosophy over the years. I’ve become more relaxed, that’s for sure. When I first started teaching I was 21 years old, so I didn’t want to be the one who was “walked all over” by the students. I was very strict. Since then, I’ve learned that you can manage classrooms without being strict 24/7. One of the best examples was when I was first teaching. A former assistant principal was phenomenal with the students. He really focused on creating a positive relationship with all the students. I try to emulate that.

What is your best piece of advice to anyone who wants to teach?

This is a good question! I think the best advice for new teachers is to not stress. I know it’s way easier said than done, but the kids are here to learn from you, so relax and help them! I think a lot of people get caught up in stuff that is outside of the classroom. If you just focus on the things you can control, teaching is easy!