I am thrilled to teach first grade at Blessed Pope John XXIII Roman Catholic School Community. I have been one of the kindergarten teachers here at Pope John XXIII for three years. Before that I worked in Texas as a first grade teacher. I graduated from Western Michigan University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and minors in Math, Science, and Integrated Creative Arts. I have served as team leader for our primary grades (k-2) here at PJXXIII. I also am representative for the diosesan staff development committee, CARE team anti-bullying committee, and also chaired the student development and growth school study for our accredidation visit. I absolutly love working with children and I feel blessed everyday to be able to teach in a school that believes in a Catholic faith-based education. I am excited to say that I completed my Cathecist ministry certification this year. In my spare time I volunteer as a P.A.L.S youth mentor with the Phoenix Youth at Risk organization. We mentor youths that are living in transitional homeless shelters and need a positive adult role model in their lives. Being a mentor and a teacher are both very rewarding experiences and I learn something new everyday! Children really are our future and everyday I am thankful to be on this journey lighting the way for them. I am aware that each student has their own individual needs and it is my philosophy that I, as a teacher, need to discover the most effective way for students to learn today. I challenge my students while also challenging myself to grow and continually learn new ways to ensure success of all children. I believe that parents are the primary educators and I look forward to walking beside you during this educational journey for your child. “And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” (Isaiah 54:13)
I didn't know that years of school and a college degree would be of little consolation when facing a room full of bright little eyes on the first day of school. I thought I was ready...
I didn't know that five minutes can seem like five hours when there is idle time and an eight hour school day far too short for a well-planned day of teaching.
I didn't know that teaching children was only a fraction of my job. No one tells you about the conferences and phone calls, faculty meetings, committees, paperwork and paperwork...
I didn't know that it took so long to cut out letters, draw and color pictures, laminate-all for those bulletin boards that were always "just there"...
I didn't know that I would become such a scavenger, and that teaching materials would feel like pure gold in my hands...
I didn't know that an administration and co-workers that support and help you could make such a difference...
I didn't know that there would be children that I loved and cared for and stayed up late worrying about, who, one day, would simply not show up. And that I would never see them again...
I didn't know that I can't always dry little tears and mend broken hearts. I thought I could always make a difference...
I didn't know that the sound of children's laughter could drown out the sound of all the world's sadness...
I didn't know that children could feel so profoundly. A broken heart knows no age.
I didn't know that a single "yes ma'am" from a disrespectful child or a note in my desk that says "You're the best!" could make me feel like I'm on top of a mountain and forget the valleys I forged to get there...
I never knew that after one year of teaching I would feel so much wiser, more tired, sadder and happier, all at once. And that I would no longer call teaching my job, but my privilege.
