Content: Geometry
School: Woodside High
Years Taught: 10

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
As a career switcher, I did not have a lot of training before entering the classroom, and I struggled my first couple of years to find my feet. I have also seen the sheer number of teachers leaving the profession. I wholeheartedly believe that with the right kind of support, more teachers can find joy and satisfaction in this career field. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with three student teachers in the past and helping them realize their strengths and abilities.

What do you love most about teaching?
I strive each day to help my students understand Math, and, more importantly, teach them why Math is worth understanding. What keeps my excitement and passion going is always finding new and interesting ways to relate what I am teaching to real life scenarios or situations. As a teacher, in general, I hope to inspire a desire for knowledge. As a Math teacher, I hope to encourage a respect and understanding for the language of Mathematics. Nothing is more satisfying than to see the light go on in a student’s eyes and be a witness to the moment when they realize they can do math.

Content: Algebra 1
School: Denbigh High
Years Taught: 26 (2 as a mathematics coach)

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I am passionate about supporting fellow teachers because I firmly believe in the power of collaborative work. Every teacher, regardless of their experience level or subject area, brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. When we share these “tools” from our collective “toolboxes,” we enhance each other’s practice and foster a richer educational environment. In my experience, engaging in these collaborative efforts has always been mutually beneficial. By supporting and learning from my colleagues, I continuously expand my own repertoire of strategies and resources, enriching my professional growth and effectiveness.

What do you love most about teaching?
What I love most about teaching is the opportunity to ignite a passion for mathematics in my students. I find immense joy in demonstrating how the skills, formulas, and critical thinking they learn in my class are not just academic exercises, but valuable tools that they can apply in their everyday lives. Each day, I am grateful for the chance to introduce new concepts and witness my students’ growth and deepening understanding throughout the year. Watching them develop both their mathematical abilities and their confidence is incredibly rewarding and inspires me to continually strive for excellence in my teaching.