What brought you to Nova?
This was the only school I saw who made students first, taught with compassion, sincerity, and rigor, and was always working to become better.
How would you describe your teaching style?
I am trying to get students to find their voice, learn how to critically think, and realize there are multiple processes in becoming an actual human being.
Why do you teach? and/or What do you hope to influence?
I teach because I love to learn with others. I teach because I am driven by the impulse to help in any way I can. I'm hoping to help my students realize not only the honor it is to learn how to become a human but to also realize the responsibility they have to center others and their world while they engage in that process. It is also incredibly essential for me to work with my fellow teachers and ultimately my students decentralized the white narrative and doing antiracist work.
What's your favorite thing about Nova?
Nova is a safe place for students to learn about who they are and work with others to facilitate the growth of justice, truth, and community.
What brought you to Nova?
I came to Nova after teaching in a much more traditional high school in Brooklyn, NY. I hoped to find a community of people who wanted to think deeply about teaching and learning, and who wanted to dedicate themselves to the project of education. I'm happy to say I've found that here at Nova.
How would you describe your teaching style?
I am always trying to adapt to meet the needs of the students in front of me. I want to help my students use their talents and the things they are passionate about to better understand and contribute to the world around them.
Why do you teach? and/or What do you hope to influence?
I teach because it's the most rewarding job in the world - students are endlessly creative and funny, and constantly challenge me to see things in a new way. I'm lucky to do this job, and I'm especially lucky to work in a school that challenges teachers to learn as much as students.
What's your favorite thing about Nova?
Nova is the most humane community I've ever been a part of. Students and staff alike are truly seen and valued as individuals. The coordinating system allows students and staff to build strong, trusting relationships that are really important for growth, and students are empowered to build a high school experience that works for them. Sorry, was that more than one favorite thing?
I love exploring new ways to think about math, especially when the journey begins with a student question.
When I first discovered Nova High School, I was drawn to it immediately. Walking into the building, I instantly felt a sense of coming home. I saw a school where students are safe being their true selves, and exploring topics at much deeper levels.
I am a teacher because I adore the subject of mathematics and the beauty through which the subject describes patterns of the universe. I hope to help students release the fear that is so often connected with learning experience. I also hope that through a shared passion and excitement, I can encourage students to explore thinking from a mathematical lens.
I've also been very excited working with the Competency Development at Nova. I am so glad to work with a staff who so clearly wants the best for students and is able to effectively work with one another to continue enhancing their teaching practice.
Education: Seattle Pacific University - BA in Mathematics and BA in Secondary Education
Antioch New England - MEd in Problem Based Learning
