Where do you teach?

Fort Dodge Middle School

What grade/subject do you teach?

I teach 7th grade science.

Why do you teach?

Since I started kindergarten, I always wanted to be a teacher. I had incredible teachers and am from a family of teachers. I teach because I want to be a role model and inspire my students. I want all students to know that I care about them. These kids can do whatever they set their minds to and whatever I can do to help, I will do. I teach for the “light bulb” moments when they finally get the content. I teach for the “chaos” and the hot mess moments! I teach for the amazing coworkers I get to see daily. I could go on and on about why I teach. But above everything else, I teach for those amazing kids who teach me to be better.

What is your favorite part of the school day?

My favorite part of the school day is when the students arrive. They come into our pod and wait for school to start. Half of the students are still waking up and half of them are ready to start the day. I love seeing them interact with their friends in such an unstructured time. It is my favorite because I can talk to the students and get to know them in this extra time. I also tend to be a little extra loud and energized during this time; thank goodness for coffee. So I love dancing and singing in the halls as the kiddos come in. A good eye roll is good for the soul at 7:50 a.m.

What are you working hardest on right now?

Right now I am starting my master’s at (Buena Vista University) for school counseling. Also planning fun and engaging lessons with a new curriculum for next year.

What are you most proud of as a teacher?

Watching my students work together and grow throughout the year. They take on hard things together and are challenged in my class. I love to try new and sometimes crazy things, and the students roll with the punches.

What makes you the happiest as a teacher?

When my classes get comfortable with each other and learn to work as a class. I love watching my classes support one another and become a family. I love seeing students interact in community circles and us all getting to know one another — sharing stories about themselves or contributing to class discussions, when they show kindness to each other. Above all, it makes me happy when they smile.

How do you contribute to/how are you involved in our community outside of school?

You can find me at many of our sporting events. I am a part of the Fort Dodge Young Professionals group. I love to eat at local places and shop quite a bit in Fort Dodge.

What are your interests/hobbies outside of school?

I love to shop. COVID-19 helped me not be able to spend so much money on this habit. I also love to cook even if I have some cooking mishaps. I one time started a fire … by boiling water! I also like to work out and go on long walks. Re-watching shows on Netflix, I have watched Grey’s Anatomy four times.

What do you wish your students/families knew about you?

My students tend to know a lot about me since I talk so much. I want my students and families to know that no matter what happens we are all a team. I will do my part every day and give it my all. I love this job more than anything, and I will always be there for my students, no matter what! This applies to past and current students.

Oh! I also want students to know that my biggest fear is frogs. (Weird fear yes.) I am 24 years old and still will cry if I see one …. So no, don’t ask, we do not dissect frogs in seventh-grade science. Lucky for me this isn’t in my curriculum.

What does Together We Rise mean to you?

I have been lucky to be employed by Fort Dodge for two years now. I am not from this town, but I am happy I moved over two hours from home for this job. The thing I love most about Fort Dodge is that this community is committed. Together We Rise means that everyone in this community has a part to play. We are all important to each other and we need one another. When we are all in it together we can achieve more. No matter what, the FDCSD is a family. Especially after all things changed with the pandemic, we supported one another and did our best to rise above. Our community is one that is great because of everyone involved: students, teachers, parents, support staff, administration, administrative assistants, cooks, janitors, community, volunteers, etc. Without any part of this team, we would not be afloat! Together We Rise because of ALL in our community! Go Dodgers!