Physical Education/Health Teacher

The factors that influenced me to choose this profession all started back in middle school thanks to my PE teacher. It was how he taught and instilled in all his students that it's important to have a healthy active lifestyle. His teaching really broadened my horizons and made me want to become a Physical Educator. Another factor is that in this profession I get to change lives and really make a difference in a student's life by teaching them to have a healthy, active lifestyle and the benefits from it. Also teaching them new games and activities that they can use throughout their lives, even in adulthood. I always wanted to make a difference, and in this profession, I honestly feel that I do make a difference in my students’ lives each day, that's always been my goal. Another factor was that in my profession, I lead by example and many students look up to me and other teachers as role models, to some, maybe a father figure, someone to lean on and feel comfortable sharing thoughts and personal feelings and what's going on in their lives.

What makes me an exceptional teacher in my position is that every day I bring 100% energy, passion, and motivation, engaging my students into whatever lesson/unit we are on. I lead by example and will always have an open-door policy where my students can come to me with whatever is on their minds. I always use interdisciplinary learning in my lessons and incorporate math, LA, and history into my PE lessons. Since students of this generation are "tech savvy" I use a lot of technology in the gym via smart board tools, to better engage and interact with the students on whatever lesson/unit we are on.

I always try to broaden my students with what is happening in the world outside of school, real life situations, what to expect in HS, and the responsibilities/consequences that can happen if we do something wrong. There are many ways that I directly impact student success, and I am proud to say that you will see the energy, motivation, and passion that I bring to each and every class as I truly love what I do.

School Counselor

I was inspired to become a teacher because I wanted to make a meaningful impact on students' lives, not just academically but personally as well. Seeing the challenges my students faced inside and outside the classroom sparked my passion for providing deeper support. This led me to pursue school counseling, where I could focus on guiding students through their personal, social, and academic challenges, helping them build confidence, resilience, and a path toward success.

As a School Counselor, I provide academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support to students through individual and group counseling, conflict resolution, and intervention planning. I collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to address student needs, track progress, and implement 504 plans and restorative practices to promote a positive school environment.

What makes me exceptional in my role is my ability to build trust and strong relationships with students and staff. I take a proactive approach to identifying academic and behavioral concerns early, ensuring that students receive the necessary support to overcome challenges. My strong communication and problem-solving skills allow me to mediate conflicts, support teachers, and create a safe, inclusive space for students.

I directly impact student success by advocating for their needs, providing them with tools to navigate academic and personal challenges, and fostering resilience. Through targeted interventions and guidance, I help students develop confidence, improve decision-making skills, and stay on track toward their goals. By equipping them with the necessary resources, I strive to empower students to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.