Which MSS campus do you teach at?
Meeting Street – Brentwood
Why did you decide to be a teacher?
I began my career journey as a fresh college graduate that was hired as a kindergarten teacher assistant. I honestly thought I would be “passing through,” as I thought my career path would be different. I fell in love with the idea of shaping young minds and I enjoyed seeing a small child come into my classroom fearful on the first day, barely knowing their letters, to an excited student reading by the end of the year. My principal, at the time, saw a light in me that I didn’t even see and she nurtured me and encouraged me to continue educating our future. It’s been a love that I have not been able to let go of.
Why do you choose to stay in the classroom?
My students are why I keep coming back. I love to see them grow into their potential. I love that child that comes into my classroom needing to be loved and nurtured. I love the idea of imparting wisdom, even into the smallest minds. A former student I taught 18 years ago now works alongside me as a PreK teacher. She makes me feel like this career that chose me, was a perfect fit. I love remembering her as a 5 year old and now seeing her with her own students. Life has gone full circle. I want to continue being that to so many others along my journey as a teacher.
What is the most challenging part of being a teacher?
Honestly, it’s when a child is struggling or not being successful in my class. It’s my job and reason for coming to work everyday. If a child is not making their necessary gains I feel I have failed. It’s a hard job every single day.
What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher?
Making connections with families and students. I love when a relationship is developed with my students parents. I know that if we are on the same page my relationship with the child will blossom.
Why did you choose to teach at Meeting Street Schools?
My daughter started Pre-k4 at Meeting Street and the joy she came home with everyday peaked my interest. Having worked in other schools for years I knew there was something different happening at Meeting Street and I needed to know what it was. I visited, as a parent, multiple times and I saw how kids as young as 4 were being given educational opportunities other PreK programs were not offering. My daughter was reading by the time she left PreK 4. She was excited to go to school everyday and she was being exposed to topics that even I was uneducated on, like the first black ballerina.
If you were to write a letter to yourself during your first year of teaching giving yourself advice, what would you say?
I would tell myself, everyday won’t be challenging. You can do hard things. Don’t be afraid to step into positions and spaces that may seem beyond your imagination. Continue to trust in God and believe in yourself. Your gifts will make room for you!
