Content: K-2 ASD Self-Contained
School: Knollwood Meadows Elementary
Years Taught: 7

What do you love most about teaching?
My favorite part about teaching is the relationships I get to build with my students. I love watching their growth and seeing how far they come through the year. I also truly enjoy building relationships with my parents. Being a special education teacher, I have the luxury of a smaller class size which allows me to talk to my parents on a more frequent basis. I believe that building relationships with my students and families is a top priority. Without trust, the students will not be able to learn as well.  

What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
The energy in my classroom is calm. We like to have a good time with lots of structure and routine. We have a rotation of both small and large group lessons, and my students know what is expected of them at all times. I try to prevent having down time in order to prevent behaviors from arising.

Content: Autism 3-5
School: Sedgefield Elementary
Years Taught: 3

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I am passionate about supporting fellow teachers because when I was a new teacher I needed the same support. We are a team. We need to support build each other up.

What do you love most about teaching?
What I love most about teaching is seeing the students learn, grow, and develop. It is fulfilling to see them learn and grow. I also enjoy building relationships with students and making memories that will be treasured. I cherish my work and value every connection in this field.

Why do you love working in NNPS?
NNPS has given me an opportunity to serve and give back to my community. In my late twenties, I received my GED through the adult education program. From there it opened doors for me to go to college and receive 3 degrees. Thank you NNPS.

Content: 3-5 General Curriculum
School: Newsome Park Elementary
Years Taught: 9

What do you love most about teaching?
I thrive in collaborative environments and truly enjoy working with both students and teachers in inclusive settings. I take great pride in identifying accommodations and strategies that best support students with disabilities. Ensuring that every student has what they need to succeed is a core value of mine, and collaboration is key to making sure those supports are both effective and individualized.

Why do you love working in NNPS?
As a proud graduate of Menchville High School, it’s incredibly rewarding to now serve in the very district that helped shape who I am. I’m passionate about inspiring, guiding, and supporting our students as they discover their potential and grow in confidence. The NNPS motto, 'Smart is Something You Become,’ reflects the growth mindset instilled in me by my own teachers. Now, it's my turn to pay it forward—to be that same source of encouragement and empowerment for the next generation.

Content: 3-5 General Curriculum
School: General Stanford Elementary
Years Taught: 2

What do you love most about teaching?
I love the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with my students and support their unique learning journeys, while also collaborating with their families. Seeing each child grow, gain confidence, and overcome challenges is incredibly rewarding. I am passionate about creating an inclusive classroom where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

What word best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
My classroom is a friendly and supportive place where every student can feel comfortable, respected, and valued. We spend time working together on different skill building activities that help each child learn in their own way. Whether we are learning as a group or one-on-one, we make sure everyone gets the support they need. I try to keep things flexible so my students can learn at their own pace and feel proud of the progress they make.

Content: K-5 General Curriculum
School: Yates Elementary
Years Taught: 30

What do you love most about teaching?
I absolutely love to see the children learn! Simple!

What word best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
Compassionate. I do my best to make connections with each child and their family to better understand the student’s behaviors and needs.

Content: SPED General Curriculum
School: Discovery STEM Academy Elementary
Years Taught: 3

What do you love most about teaching?
What I love most about teaching is the opportunity to make a positive impact on students’ lives—watching them grow, build confidence, reach their full potential, and form meaningful connections along the way.

What word best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
Supportive. I strive to create a safe and encouraging environment where students feel understood, valued, and empowered to take academic and personal risks that lead to growth.

Content: K-3 General Curriculum
School: Richneck Elementary
Years Taught: 30

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
Supporting fellow teachers helps ensure that new educators receive effective and relevant guidance from someone who is experienced and has mastered the skills and strategies essential for effective teaching.

What word best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
Compassionate. I try my best to build relationships with all my students and to support them when they need it. I work hard to meet them where they are and to understand their perspectives as well.

Content: K-5 General Curriculum
School: Sanford Elementary
Years Taught: 6

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I feel it is important to support teachers to help keep our dedicated professionals feeling confident, capable, and encouraged—enabling them to continue bringing their best to students.

What do you love most about teaching?
I love helping students who struggle to make progress by building confidence in their abilities. When that lightbulb goes on or that small obstacle is overcome, I love it!

Content: K-2 General Curriculum
School: Discovery STEM Academy Elementary
Years Taught: 4

What do you love most about teaching?
I love the growth I can see with my kids—emotionally, academically, and physically. It’s an honor to have the trust and support of families who share their children with me. I build relationships with parents and students, both inside and outside of the classroom. I have never taken my role in this division lightly, and I am always looking for new ways to better serve my students and provide them with the resources they need to be successful.

What word best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
Patient. I understand that in a social-emotional classroom, emotions are high and can become overwhelming. However, when you lead with love and patience, you are able to handle high-stress situations better. I find that this approach gives my classroom a "safe place" feeling.

Content: 3-5 Adapted Curriculum
School: Kiln Creek Elementary
Years Taught: 6

What do you love most about teaching?
My passion for supporting fellow teachers stems from my own journey into the classroom. I transitioned from being a paraprofessional to a teacher in the 2019–2020 school year—just six months before the COVID-19 pandemic completely changed the educational landscape. Like many new educators, I entered the profession full of enthusiasm but with limited preparation for the realities of leading a classroom. Navigating that first year, especially amid a global crisis, was overwhelming. I vividly remember the feelings of uncertainty, isolation, and the pressure to “figure it out” on my own.

That experience shaped me. It taught me the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and foundational support. I don’t want new teachers to feel like they have to go through those challenges alone. I want to be the mentor I wish I had—someone who listens, encourages, and helps others build the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to thrive.

Supporting fellow teachers is not just about helping them survive their first year—it’s about empowering them to become reflective, resilient, and effective educators. When teachers feel supported and confident, students benefit. That’s why I’m passionate about mentoring. It’s an opportunity to give back, strengthen our profession, and ensure that every teacher has the foundation to become great.

What word best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
The word that best describes me as a teacher is supportive. I see my role as not only helping students grow, but also uplifting and guiding my colleagues—especially new teachers who may feel overwhelmed, as I once did. Whether it’s providing encouragement, sharing strategies, or simply being a listening ear, I strive to create a safe, collaborative space where others feel empowered to learn and succeed.