Which MSS campus do you teach at?
Meeting Street Academy-Spartanburg
Why did you decide to be a teacher?
I decided to be a teacher because I found a love for teaching others through a dance camp I had started with some friends in high school. The more I worked with children, the more I realized how passionate I was about it! As I studied more about education in college I developed a growing need to make a difference that was bigger than me in our world.
Why do you choose to stay in the classroom?
Working in the classroom allows me to work directly with students daily and build a classroom culture that allows my students to grow and have those lightbulb moments. There is no better feeling in the world than to take a look at your class and see the social and academic growth they have made with you. It also allows me to continue to learn as an educator daily as I continue to master our curriculums and create structured plans for small group that best helps the class I am working with that year.
What is the most challenging part of being a teacher?
Wearing all the hats that is required of a teacher can be a lot. Teachers at MSA have such a passion and drive to be the best for our kids that we want to provide the best we can in all areas. I’m still learning how to give from my bucket, but also take the time to fill my own bucket so that I can be the best for my students and myself.
What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher?
Seeing students grow both socially and academically throughout the year. When a student meets their goal or finally masters a skill you have been working on it makes it all worth it.
Why did you choose to teach at Meeting Street Schools?
I strongly believe in the mission of MSA and the belief that all students can learn. As soon as I stepped into the building on the day of my interview I knew it was a place I was meant to be at! I also found the support they provided for teachers very intriguing because I knew I would be set up for success here.
What makes Meeting Street Schools different?
Meeting Street Schools hold high expectations for their students and their staff. We work with a sense of urgency for our students through analyzing data and continuing to grow our own brains through constant collaboration with our co-workers. Continuous feedback is given to us so that we can monitor and adjust to meet the needs of our students.
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 to take the first year as a learning year and not to compare myself to others, but to take the time and learn from others. Your co-workers are your best resources and will be your key to growing in this career! Also I would tell myself to take the time to celebrate wins, even the small ones!
