What is your role at Stevens for the SY20-21? How long have you been teaching? I am one of two Early Learning Supports Teachers at Stevens. This is my 17th year teaching and my 13th year in DCPS. I spent the last 12 years at Oyster Adams where I opened and taught in the ELS classroom. I also opened an inclusive Pre-k classroom and taught a year of kindergarten. I am very excited and honored to be a part of the Stevens community!
What do you love most about the ECE age group? Teaching in early childhood is pure joy! I am grateful for the opportunity to engage in creative work each and every day. I love the passion with which young children approach everything in their lives. They are compassionate and kind and fiercely love their friends. They dive into every activity with commitment, courage, and creativity.
Can you share a little about your teaching philosophy? I strive to build a warm, loving, structured, and equitable classroom community. Children thrive in an environment where they feel safe, loved, and heard. In my classroom community, children have a voice in developing the classroom community and learning space. Children learn best when they have opportunities to grow, explore, and express themselves through play, construction, creation, discovery, and design.
How can we make virtual learning successful?
- Be kind to yourselves! Give your family time to adjust to and build skills for distance learning.
- Set up a dedicated and special space just for learning. Let your child help design and build it. Think creatively! Perhaps it’s a desk, perhaps it’s a fort or a tent. You know how your child learns best. Follow their lead in creating the space.
- Communicate and collaborate with your teachers! Tell them how things are working for you. Let them be a partner with you to collaborate for success. Let your teachers be a source of support to you.
What are some of your favorite children’s books? There is so much joy and creativity in children’s literature it’s hard to choose! Here are some favorites:
Hug, by Jez Alborough (this is the loveliest little book about helping a friend)
Oh No George by Chris Haughton (his books have a sweet sense of humor and gorgeous illustrations)
What was your favorite childhood book? I loved Richard Scarry books because of the intricate and detailed illustrations. I would pore over them for days and days.
What is a fun fact to share with our families? Fun fact: I studied to be an actress before becoming a teacher! It’s been a natural transition from acting to teaching because like acting, much of teaching is about listening, observing, reflecting, and responding. I love to incorporate my musical training and singing into my teaching as much as possible.
DCPS School Planning 