Seventh Grade Mathematics Teacher

My interest in education stems from when I was a little girl. I used to play this teacher game with my brother where I would role play as the teacher and him as a student. This game was one of my favorites because I wasn't in school at the time but really wanted to attend. Once I was finally able to attend school and relate a lot of what we played in the game to real life, I realized how much I enjoyed school. As I grew older, I can say I had some really great experiences with my teachers which led me to want to pursue it as a career. The teachers I encountered made learning fun and meaningful, and I always wanted to stay close to my teachers. Upon entering high school, I began taking classes relating to education and soon after, I graduated and pursued a degree in Education. I surrounded myself with kids of all ages, where I started working at a daycare then went on to student teaching elementary students and middle school ones as well. Having this experience in all the age groups made me realize that I wanted to teach middle school students, and luckily I was able to get hired as a 7th grade Math teacher and have been teaching this grade level ever since.

As a middle school teacher for the past ten years, I’ve learned so much that has molded me into the teacher I am today. Middle school is a very tough age to teach because that’s an age where teens are testing their boundaries with adults and are discovering a lot about who they are. They’re at a stage in life that’s confusing in various ways and where they are required to be more independent learners as opposed to dependent ones. What makes it even more difficult to teach them is the subject I teach, which is Pre-Algebra. Throughout my years as an educator, I’ve learned that many of my students despise math and have difficulty learning it. Upon gaining this insight from my students, I made it a mission that every year I want my students to change their perspective on math and learn to “hate” it a little less.

What makes me an outstanding educator is that I do a great deal for my students not only inside the classroom, but outside as well. School shouldn’t just be about learning and test scores, it’s a second home for our students where they form lifelong friendships with peers and teachers. I remember being a student and I looked forward to going to school to see my friends, to learn and do well for my future, but also to going on field trips or attending a school dance. My experiences in school have fueled a lot of what I do as a teacher present day.

School Counselor

My career choice was profoundly influenced by my early experiences and cultural heritage, which taught me the importance of compassion and community support. Witnessing the transformative effect of dedicated guidance and understanding the value of empowering young voices, I was drawn to the field of School Counseling. This path has not only allowed me to contribute to individual growth but also to advocate for inclusivity and understanding in education.  

As a counselor, my daily duties involve guiding students through emotional and academic challenges, facilitating group sessions that enhance social skills, and collaborating with educators to support student well-being. What makes me exceptional is my commitment to cultural inclusivity and my proactive approach to addressing the unique needs of our diverse student population. By creating a nurturing environment that enables students to achieve their fullest potential.