Mission
Reading is one of the most important things to me. It's funny to think, then, that I was that high school student who read as little as needed to get the grade. The more I read, though, the less I realize that I actually know: There is so much out there to know! Every book I read broadens my understanding of the world just a little more, helping me understand why things happen and how we can approach solutions.
I became an English teacher because I want to share this with young people. I want to teach in a way that gives the subject of English justice. I don't want this to be a class of learning the best order of words in a sentence or the dates of authors' deaths or who wrote Jane Eyre. Rather, I want to confront complicated issues with my students in order to equip them with the power to add their own voices to the world.
I became an English teacher because I want to share this with young people. I want to teach in a way that gives the subject of English justice. I don't want this to be a class of learning the best order of words in a sentence or the dates of authors' deaths or who wrote Jane Eyre. Rather, I want to confront complicated issues with my students in order to equip them with the power to add their own voices to the world.
"We need not to be let alone. We need to be really bothered once in a while. How long is it since you were really bothered? About something important, about something real?"
-Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451
About Me
I graduated from SIUE in 2009 with a Bachelors degree in English, a minor in Speech, an endorsement in Biology, and certification in Secondary Education. I graduated from SIUE again in 2018 with a Masters in English with an emphasis in American and British literature.
In 2015, I had the honor of receiving an award for excellence in teaching from the Illinois State Board of Education and was a finalist for Early Career Educator of the Year. In 2019, I was named a Golden Apple Teacher of Distinction and was a finalist for Excellence in Teaching award. Both of these humbling experiences have allowed me to grow professionally, and I encourage all community members to consider nominating teachers who made a difference for recognition. Two places to start are the Those Who Excel Award from ISBE and the Golden Apple Award.
During the 2017-18 school year, I was selected for a Teaching Policy Fellowship at Teach Plus Illinois. The fellowship provided the knowledge and tools for me to learn how to advocate for high-quality education on behalf of my students on local, state, and national levels.
I live in Bethalto with my spouse and son. We enjoy going on walks together, reading, and seeing all of the amazing museums, libraries, and other public institutions in the St. Louis area!
In 2015, I had the honor of receiving an award for excellence in teaching from the Illinois State Board of Education and was a finalist for Early Career Educator of the Year. In 2019, I was named a Golden Apple Teacher of Distinction and was a finalist for Excellence in Teaching award. Both of these humbling experiences have allowed me to grow professionally, and I encourage all community members to consider nominating teachers who made a difference for recognition. Two places to start are the Those Who Excel Award from ISBE and the Golden Apple Award.
During the 2017-18 school year, I was selected for a Teaching Policy Fellowship at Teach Plus Illinois. The fellowship provided the knowledge and tools for me to learn how to advocate for high-quality education on behalf of my students on local, state, and national levels.
I live in Bethalto with my spouse and son. We enjoy going on walks together, reading, and seeing all of the amazing museums, libraries, and other public institutions in the St. Louis area!