Content: 6-8 Personal Life Skills/ English Collaboration
School: Hines Middle
Years Taught: 25

What do you love most about teaching?
What I love most about teaching is the ability to speak life into our youth, educating them with the tools they need to live in today's society, and giving them the love and support.

What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
The best way to describe a typical day in my classroom is genuine, consistent, enhancing, and inspiring.

Content: SID
School: Passage Middle
Years Taught: 8

What do you love most about teaching?
I love teaching because it gives me a sense of purpose. It allows me to engage with the future generation and be a positive role model.

What word best describes you as a teacher and why?
Empathetic. I have learned that each of my students possesses unique needs and abilities that deserve understanding. I have experienced various challenges within the classroom that I've overcome by assessing and adapting to the circumstances, leading to a positive learning outcome.

Content: General Curriculum
School: Gildersleeve Middle
Years Taught: 19

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
As a special education teacher with 19 years of experience, I’ve learned that teaching is not meant to be done in isolation. I’m passionate about supporting fellow teachers because I understand firsthand the challenges and rewards that come with this profession. At this point in education, it is imperative to create a community to support our fellow colleagues.

Supporting other educators—whether through collaboration, sharing strategies, or simply listening—builds collective strength within a school. When teachers feel supported, they are more confident, effective, and empowered to meet the diverse needs of their students. I believe in creating a culture of trust, reflection, and continuous learning where teachers lift each other up. Helping my colleagues succeed ultimately means better outcomes for all students, and that’s what drives my passion.

Why do you love working in NNPS?
The Office of Special Education Student Services (OSESS) Central Office provides exceptional support. They are consistently responsive and accessible through phone calls, emails, or texts. What truly stands out is their willingness to be present in our buildings, offering hands-on guidance and collaborative problem-solving. Their commitment ensures that school-based staff never feel alone in navigating challenges, and their support strengthens our ability to meet the needs of all students.

Content: Grade 8 General Curriculum
School: Hines Middle
Years Taught: 10

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
Because people were and are passionate about helping me, it makes a huge difference when you have support when needed.

What do you love most about teaching?
My students

Why do you love working in NNPS?
Support and inclusion