Why did you decide to become a history teacher?
I had earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Vermont, but I ended up working for a company called General Dynamics. I honestly did not love my job at the time. I didn’t enjoy working there and sitting at a desk all day. Additionally in the Great Recession, I lost my job. At this turning point in my life, I decided to do something I enjoyed. So, I decided to pivot my career and become a teacher.
What’s the most interesting or favorite unit that you teach or have taught? And why is that?
That’s a very difficult question because I love teaching this entire course! I followed this course down from CB EAST because I love it so much!
My two favorite units have to be Civil Rights and the Vietnam War. I love teaching about the music of the 60s and 70s and the Vietnam War because the students make meaningful connections to the content. Often, the kids know somebody that was part of the time period. Kids bring conversations back home to their families and it gets kids excited about history!
What’s the worst thing that a student has done in your years of teaching?
The worst thing a kid (an entire grade) has done in my career was the senior prank at East. CB East seniors released 200 frogs in the forum as a senior prank and that was the worst!
Why did you want to start women’s group? And what makes you so passionate about it?
I cannot take all the credit. A student last year asked for me to sponsor a I wanted to create an opportunity for ladies of Tohickon to feel comfortable to discuss issues that concerned them. I wanted to allow for students to share their experiences or address topics without worry. I also wanted to create an opportunity to help local community organizations.
What’s the funniest thing that has happened in class?
Every year something funny happens in class! Each group of kiddos is unique and hilarious in their own way! The year I turned 40 the room was all decorated.
Every year when we do the World War 2 weighted relays, a backpack always explodes and somebody always falls.
Or when we do the Vietnam Tug of War Day somebody always falls or let’s go of the rope.
When we dance the Charleston, someone always struggles with the “Fortnite Dance.”
Who’s your favorite staff member and student?
Teachers don’t have favorites! OR Every student is my favorite.
I have a few favorite staff members.
1) Mrs. Fox ! Mrs. Fox is there for everyone. She will listen to you when you need to vent, she will help you out of a tech jam, she will make your PowerPoints look snazzy if you ask, she will provided her expertise in graphic design, AND she met Mick Jagger! Mrs. Fox is one of the most selfless people to know. I am lucky to know her and call her a friend.
2.) Mr. Eakins is another one of my other faves….Eakins has been absolutely clutch in helping me prepare for a big school wide event. Mr. Eakins is also one of the most brilliant people I have ever worked with, but he is also very humble. He never forgets anything, to a fault! His witty sense of humor is quite entertaining. Eakins is always willing to collaborate, provides awesome feedback, dresses up as a boxer for a speakeasy, and is honestly a wiz when it comes to Canvas. I have learned a great deal for him, and I am so grateful for all his help. I am lucky to call him a colleague and friend.
3.) Mr. Neely is one of the loveliest humans ever. He always brings vegetables and fruit from the Tohickon garden for me. He will always be the first to volunteer his personal time. Mr. Neely is a gem.
How do you feel being the first teacher in the teacher/staff spotlight article for the Newspaper?
Wow that’s exciting! I’m really honored and surprised that I got picked out of all the amazing teacher’s here!
