I've known that I wanted to be a teacher from the time that I was six years old. Though the plan has evolved overtime, my end goal remained the same. I graduated with my Bachelors Degrees from Michigan State University. I received my Bachelor in Education, as well as a double major in English, with a specialization in Creative Writing. My love of reading and writing has fueled me as an educator; and I like to think that this is something I pass down to the kids that I work with.
Throughout my degree program at Michigan State University, being involved in the Urban Educator's Cohort program meant that I was primarily placed in Lansing Schools throughout my undergrad. I grew to love the school system and make connections (many of which have lasted for years!) I also chose to involve myself with the Read To Succeed Program, which was the first indicator that I might want to pursue Literacy Education as a next step. Throughout my undergrad experience, no matter what stress I was going through, stepping into the classroom has always felt like coming home.
After completion of my undergrad, I interned at Willow Elementary School in Lansing MI in a 1st Grade Classroom. This was an extremely valuable experience, as I got to see firsthand what it might look like to be a Lansing school teacher. My mentor teacher also worked closely with the Read to Succeed program. As I went over school wide data with her, to match available tutors to students at need, I was shocked at what the data reflected. It wasn't a question of who needed help, all students did. It was a question of which students needed the help most immediately, and were grade levels behind. It was that experience, specifically, that opened my eyes to the need for quality reading instruction/intervention support in all schools; but particularly schools with such academic disparity. After my internship, I worked a series of literacy intervention positions (one in Minnesota, and one in Hanover Horton), and worked as a 1st Grade Teacher in a Redford Charter School. My experiences were worthwhile, and I learned a lot about the kind of educator I strive to become.
Present day, I'm blessed to have come full circle back to the Lansing School District. The connections that I made throughout undergrad have benefitted me in my transition, as it can be overwhelming to walk into a brand new school district! Currently, I have a position teaching 2nd Grade at Forest View Elementary School. It's my first experience teaching 2nd grade, and I've loved it so far! The school's outdoor education focus and collaborative environment have been an opportunity for me to thrive. We're about to undergo work on our school's outdoor habitat; which includes a RAISED GARDEN BED for my students to work with! This level of hands on learning is so important, and motivating, for my students. I feel lucky to have walked into an environment where the "extra work" is worthwhile. Additionally, I've already learned so much about plants and animals indigenous to Michigan that I didn't before this year. And I get to attend a more in depth training this summer! I can't wait to see where the next steps of my journey as an educator take me.
Throughout my degree program at Michigan State University, being involved in the Urban Educator's Cohort program meant that I was primarily placed in Lansing Schools throughout my undergrad. I grew to love the school system and make connections (many of which have lasted for years!) I also chose to involve myself with the Read To Succeed Program, which was the first indicator that I might want to pursue Literacy Education as a next step. Throughout my undergrad experience, no matter what stress I was going through, stepping into the classroom has always felt like coming home.
After completion of my undergrad, I interned at Willow Elementary School in Lansing MI in a 1st Grade Classroom. This was an extremely valuable experience, as I got to see firsthand what it might look like to be a Lansing school teacher. My mentor teacher also worked closely with the Read to Succeed program. As I went over school wide data with her, to match available tutors to students at need, I was shocked at what the data reflected. It wasn't a question of who needed help, all students did. It was a question of which students needed the help most immediately, and were grade levels behind. It was that experience, specifically, that opened my eyes to the need for quality reading instruction/intervention support in all schools; but particularly schools with such academic disparity. After my internship, I worked a series of literacy intervention positions (one in Minnesota, and one in Hanover Horton), and worked as a 1st Grade Teacher in a Redford Charter School. My experiences were worthwhile, and I learned a lot about the kind of educator I strive to become.
Present day, I'm blessed to have come full circle back to the Lansing School District. The connections that I made throughout undergrad have benefitted me in my transition, as it can be overwhelming to walk into a brand new school district! Currently, I have a position teaching 2nd Grade at Forest View Elementary School. It's my first experience teaching 2nd grade, and I've loved it so far! The school's outdoor education focus and collaborative environment have been an opportunity for me to thrive. We're about to undergo work on our school's outdoor habitat; which includes a RAISED GARDEN BED for my students to work with! This level of hands on learning is so important, and motivating, for my students. I feel lucky to have walked into an environment where the "extra work" is worthwhile. Additionally, I've already learned so much about plants and animals indigenous to Michigan that I didn't before this year. And I get to attend a more in depth training this summer! I can't wait to see where the next steps of my journey as an educator take me.