Teacher
Appreciation
Week

What do you love most about teaching? In other words, why did you chose this profession?

The single most fulfilling element of teaching for me is witnessing the intersection of connection, innovation, and growth. I adore building genuine relationships and fostering a supportive community in my classroom. This foundation allows me to leverage technology in creative ways, sparking students' curiosity and igniting "aha moments" where complex concepts suddenly click. Leading by example and advocating for innovative teaching practices are also deeply ingrained in my approach. However, I firmly believe that learning shouldn't be devoid of joy and humor. Injecting a dose of fun and silliness helps students feel comfortable taking intellectual risks and fosters a positive learning environment where everyone thrives.

What lessons did you learn at UC that have stuck with you over the years? In other words, how has your UC education helped you be the best teacher you can be?

My recent Master's degree in Educational Leadership from UC has been instrumental in shaping me as an educator. While just graduating in August 2023, the program has already equipped me with invaluable lessons that resonate deeply with my aspirations to contribute to the education landscape in a leadership role.

One key takeaway has been the importance of fostering collaborative leadership. At UC, I honed my ability to facilitate communication, build consensus, and empower diverse voices, skills crucial for leading both teachers and students.

Additionally, the program emphasized systems thinking, allowing me to see the bigger picture within education. This approach has translated into my current teaching role as I actively participate in professional development sessions, technology training sessions, and various committees. These opportunities not only allow me to share my knowledge but also provide valuable experiences in navigating complex educational systems with a leadership mindset.

Finally, UC instilled in me a growth mindset, encouraging continuous learning and improvement. This fuels my enthusiasm for exploring innovative approaches and advocating for positive change within the educational sphere, preparing me to take the next step in my leadership journey, whether as a principal, director, or EdTech role.

What is one unexpected experience during your time at UC that you would like to share?

One unexpected experience during my Master's program at UC was the unwavering support I received from my professors. Balancing a full-time job, part-time tutoring, and demanding coursework was a constant challenge, and I sometimes felt very overwhelmed.

What I hadn't anticipated was the empathy and compassion shown by my professors. They truly understood the pressures students face, and their kind words and encouragement became lifelines during difficult times. Whether it was offering flexible deadlines due to unexpected circumstances or simply checking in with a concerned email, their care went beyond the classroom and made a significant impact on my journey.

This experience highlighted the importance of building genuine connections within the academic environment. Knowing I had a supportive network at UC, even beyond my classmates, gave me the strength and resilience to persevere through the challenges, ultimately shaping me into a more determined and appreciative individual.

What do you love most about teaching? In other words, why did you choose this profession?

My favorite part about teaching is the growth you can see in students outside of data and test scores. The experience my students get at their worksites has helped them mature and find direction for their future after high school.  

What lessons did you learn at UC that have stuck with you over the years? In other words, how has your UC education helped you be the best teacher you can be?

A lesson I learned at UC that I still use to this day is that students need basic needs met to be able to learn. I strive to make my classroom an environment where students can be themselves and give them the support and stability they need to be successful. It has helped me build strong relationships and have tough conversations with my students where we can all be honest and learn from examples and experiences. 

What is one unexpected experience during your time at UC that you would like to share?

One unexpected experience I had at UC was how close my program was through all 4 years. We supported each other through classes, student teaching and our personal lives. I truly could not have done it without the community I build through my Learning Community and program.  Most of us are all still friends and stay in touch about our lives and careers! 

What do you love most about teaching? In other words, why did you choose this profession?

I enjoy teaching young students with disabilities because I believe in their potential. I find it rewarding to help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

What lessons did you learn at UC that have stuck with you over the years? In other words, how has your UC education helped you be the best teacher you can be?

As a result of my education at UC,  I've learned that hard work and persistence can lead to a variety of career opportunities.  In addition, my education at UC provided me with a deeper understanding of teaching strategies and foundational skills that directly impact my student's ability to learn, grow, and develop the necessary skills for kindergarten readiness. 

What is one unexpected experience during your time at UC that you would like to share?

I was pregnant with my second child, Tate, when I attended UC and I was very ill with morning sickness, well, if I'm honest, all-day long sickness.  My professors were wonderful and accommodating to my needs to abruptly leave the class session and constantly nibble on food.  I was thankful for their kindness! By the way, Tate is currently a freshman attending the College of Engineering at UC!  I love being back on campus with him. 

What do you love most about teaching? In other words, why did you choose this profession?

The students and their families!  When I get a new student at age 3 or 4 and get the privilege of being their first teacher and their families first introduction to school, it gives me such responsibility and ability to help shape the trajectory for the child and family.  I find this especially important being a teacher of young autistic children.  I look at my role as two parts, one in the classroom helping the students directly and one outside supporting the families on being the best they can be for their child.    That's honestly just one of my many loves of teaching.

What lessons did you learn at UC that have stuck with you over the years? In other words, how has your UC education helped you be the best teacher you can be?

UC was my foundation.  My professors in the ECE department were phenomenal and leaders in the field.  I'll never forget my first special education class with Annie Bauer, my literacy study with Darwin Henderson, and all the classes with Peg Elgas and Anne Dorsey.  Our cohort was small but mighty.  We were a little family and the passion for early childhood education was at the forefront of everything.  I learned to value, defend, and embrace the young learner ultimately learning that whether you have 1 week or 3 years with a young child each moment with them has potential to shape their future for the better.

What is one unexpected experience during your time at UC that you would like to share?

During my time at UC I worked 2-3 jobs at a time to help support myself.  One of the jobs was as a student assistant at Arlitt Center, the lab preschool.  I was able to put everything I learned in class into practice, ultimately shaping me to be the kind of teacher I am today.  My mother was one of the teacher's at Arlitt and sometimes I was lucky enough to be placed in her classroom.  Those times are so precious to me as when going to college you never really think you'll get extra time with your mom.  Now that she has passed I can honestly say that she not only shaped me into the woman I am but the teacher I am.  Her dedication to the students with special needs in her class was inspiring.  Around April Fool's Day, since we both parked in the same lot, I decided to prank her by moving her car to a different spot.  This started a pranking war that carried on for a while.  One day my car was covered in post-it notes and hers filled with balloons.  Memories I'll never forget.

What do you love most about teaching? In other words, why did you choose this profession?

The thing I love most about teaching is the students. I am fortunate enough to be able to teach the same students in 7th and 8th grade, so I am able to observe the transformation during their adolescence. Having students for two years allows for a strong foundation and rapport with students that carries on way past when they are in my classroom. Having these strong connections helps the challenging days of this career pass quickly. I also love the teachers I work with. I work in a very collaborative setting, so knowing that I have colleagues to learn from and lean on is amazing. 

What lessons did you learn at UC that have stuck with you over the years? In other words, how has your UC education helped you be the best teacher you can be?

I would say the lessons at UC that I learned were timeliness and accountability. It is important to be accountable to your team of teachers and to your students.  Another lesson was timeliness because it is easy to get overwhelmed by planning the night before. Being well prepared weeks in advance helps me manage a good work life balance because I am not scrambling at the last minute.

What is one unexpected experience during your time at UC that you would like to share?

One unexpected experience that happened to me while I was at UC was during my student teaching. My mentor teacher decided to have an elective surgery that left me on my own with a paraprofessional for two months. Albeit stressful at the time; however, this is probably the adversity that I overcame that made me an effective teacher right out of college.

What do you love most about teaching? In other words, why did you choose this profession?

There are many things to love about this profession. At times, it is challenging to articulate what makes this profession so special. However, I often better understand my "why" after I go to Pigeon Key, Florida with my 8th-grade students at the end of each year. This allows me to see them in a new light. This allows for me to develop a stronger connection with my students, even after being with them for two consecutive years. In the end, I love working with students and seeing the growth that they make, both personally and academically, over the time that I work with them. There is nothing in this world that is more rewarding than being put in a position to work with kids each day to give them the tools that they need to be the person that they want to be.

What lessons did you learn at UC that have stuck with you over the years? In other words, how has your UC education helped you be the best teacher you can be?

UC, from my personal experience, has a highly effective teacher education program. It is hard to pinpoint one specific memory or lesson that still impacts me to this day, but I appreciate that UC has developed a curriculum for future educators that is largely rooted in equity and social justice. This is vital to any teacher preparation program. Dr. Emilie Camp is one of the many professors who had a lasting impact on my career. Her instructional strategies and courses at UC were and still apply to my practice. She ensured that each student critically thought about the development of their teaching philosophy, their own biases about the world around them, and so much more. Her work will have a lasting impact on my practice in the field of education. 

What is one unexpected experience during your time at UC that you would like to share?

Before I entered my final year at UC,  my professor, Karen Haring, asked if I wanted to student teach at a Montessori high school. I knew nothing about Montessori education, and I was concerned that I might spend my full year of practicum at a school that would not appeal to what I wanted to do in education. Despite this worry, I decided to take Karen's advice and student teach at a Montessori school. I was able to observe and learn from a highly effective, veteran educator, and I fell in love with Montessori education. I am currently in my fourth year of teaching at a Montessori school in Cincinnati Public Schools. Furthermore, I am preparing to enter the final semester of my Master's in Montessori Education. This was an unexpected part of my time at UC, but it was the best thing that could have happened for my career!