This is my thirteenth year teaching, and my seventh year at Hammond High School. While an undergraduate at American University, I majored in International Studies. Shortly after graduating, my love of travel and language led me to Kobe, Japan where I began my first job teaching in Kobe City public schools. In Japan, I discovered two priceless things--a passion for teaching and my wonderful husband, Mr. Sumihara.
After three years in Japan, I returned to the United States and taught ESL in a private school, Sandy Spring Friends School, in Maryland. At the same time, I also worked toward my master's degree from Johns Hopkins University. While I loved my students and colleagues at Friends school, I felt a calling to work in public schools. This is what brought me to Hammond High School. Here at Hammond, I teach ELD 2, Literature and Composition 2, and English 10.
This is the best teaching job I've ever had. My students are diverse, hard working, and enthusiastic about learning. What more could a teacher wish for?!?!
