Grade: 5th Grade
School: Kiln Creek Elementary
Years Taught: 18

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I’m passionate about this because I recognize the challenges that come with teaching—the long hours, the emotional investment, and the constant need for innovation. By offering support and sharing resources, strategies, or just a listening ear, I hope to help ease some of those challenges. When teachers are given the tools and encouragement they need, they can focus more on what they do best: inspiring and educating the next generation.

What do you love most about teaching?
What I love most about teaching is the chance to ignite curiosity and inspire a love for learning. There’s a unique joy in witnessing students’ growth—seeing them grasp complex concepts, develop new skills, and build their confidence. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their educational journey and to help them discover their potential. Additionally, teaching allows for creativity and problem-solving, as each day brings new challenges and opportunities to connect with students in meaningful ways. The connections and impact you can have make teaching a truly fulfilling profession.

Grade: 5th Grade
School: B.C. Charles Elementary
Years Taught: 16

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I’m passionate about supporting fellow teachers because it’s in my nature to help anyone and everyone. Throughout my years of teaching, I’ve helped mold some of the best teachers. One of those teachers/former students actually teaches in NNPS.

What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
Controlled chaos. Students are allowed to be themselves and have a little more freedom in their choice of learning. We have fun, but we stay engaged and focused on learning.

Grade: 5th Grade
School: Saunders Elementary
Years Taught: 2

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I am passionate about supporting fellow teachers because I have greatly benefited from the support and mentorship of others. The advice I have received during my teaching career has helped me develop into a confident and effective educator, and I would love the opportunity to help others feel the same!

What do you love most about teaching?
My favorite part of teaching is building genuine connections with my students and witnessing their academic and personal growth throughout the year. I believe teaching is the most rewarding job, and I am honored to make a difference in the lives of young learners each day.

Grade: 5th Grade
School: Newsome Park Elementary
Years Taught: 2.5

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I am passionate about supporting fellow teachers because I understand firsthand the impact that meaningful mentorship and collaboration can have on a teacher's growth and confidence, especially in the early years. As I enter my third year of teaching, I reflect often on my own experience as part of NNPS’s New Teacher Institute. One of the most pivotal moments in my development was being invited into a mentor teacher’s classroom to observe best practices in action. While learning about instructional strategies is valuable, seeing them implemented with real students brought clarity, inspiration, and a deeper understanding that I could immediately apply in my own classroom. The opportunity to debrief, ask questions, and make connections with other new teachers further reinforced the power of shared learning. I would be honored to give back by providing that same level of support, encouragement, and real-world modeling to new educators, helping them feel empowered and connected from the start.

What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
My classroom on a typical day is a blend of organized chaos, productive struggle, and student-driven learning. It’s a place where curiosity is encouraged, and students are empowered to take ownership of their education through structures like class jobs and our collaboratively written class constitution. I strongly believe in the gradual release of responsibility and create opportunities for students to lead discussions, solve problems, and explore their passions—whether it’s building Moon Drop landing machines or investigating real-world issues through our pollinator garden project. As a STEM school, we emphasize critical thinking and an engineering mindset, and my classroom reflects that with hands-on, minds-on activities that invite students to dive deep, even if that means going down a few rabbit holes. At the same time, the environment is carefully structured to ensure students stay focused, respectful, and on task. Whether we’re engaged in a lively science lab or supporting one another during student presentations, my goal is to foster a safe, collaborative, and inspiring space where all learners feel challenged, valued, and capable.