Content: Music
School: Riverside Elementary
Years Taught: 24

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
A lot of times, as a specials teacher we are left out on our own little island.  It is important for us to see what is going on in other classrooms and learn from each other.

What do you love most about teaching?
I love when kids struggle, persevere, and then accomplish their goal!

Content: Music
School: Richneck Elementary
Years Taught: 8

What do you love most about teaching?
I love spreading the joy of musical knowledge to my students and being an outlet for creativity and musical exploration where students can dance around and be silly while learning meaningful knowledge that can carry over into other content areas.

What word best describes you as a teacher and why?
Organized - My room is always tidy, and everything has its place. I keep routines and procedures in place all year so that students know exactly what to do and when during lessons. We have such a small amount of time together each week and so many instruments to play and other activities to do that organization is very important to me and the functioning of my classroom.

Content: Music
School: Dutrow Elementary
Years Taught: 8

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I’m passionate about supporting fellow teachers because I know firsthand how powerful a strong support network can be. The veteran educators in my building shaped me into the teacher I am today. By paying it forward, I hope to offer the same essential support that was so impactful for me.

What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
Busy! With just 50 minutes a week to make music together, every moment counts—losing even one minute means losing two percent of our time. My students work hard and have fun from start to finish. There’s a strong sense of purpose, but also a lot of joy.