What inspired you to become a teacher, and how has that journey shaped who
you are today?
During my senior year at Clermont High School, I volunteered at the Elementary School
across the street for a PE class. I loved interacting with the kids each day. I started in
Graphic Design in college, but quickly realized this was not for me. Besides being a
starving artist, becoming an art teacher seemed the right direction. I am in my 30 th year
and have taught elementary art through most of it. However, I have about 10 years of
Kindergarten and 1 st grade general education classroom experience. What inspires me
to keep going is truly the kids! Their genuine excitement when they learn something new
or discover something that they can do is what drives me to want to be there for them.
Through the years, I realize no one year is the same. It has taught me to be flexible and
adapt so that every student can be successful. It is always interesting and fluidly
changing. Plus, the kids keep me on my toes!
What are some of the most rewarding moments you’ve experienced in the
classroom?
There are so many each week. Honestly, it is the light that goes off in a student when
they have the right answer, come up with their own idea, figure out how to solve a
problem, or voice their opinion because of what they have learned. When I think back,
One of my first years teaching near Orlando, there was a little boy named Jimmy. He did
not have much and would always wear a white t-shirt and jeans. When he earned tokens
for the school store, he would buy food instead of toys. I think he was 3 rd or 4 th grade. He
was very insecure and did not think he could do anything. One lesson, we were drawing
trees. I was teaching them how to draw imperfect bumpy lines for branches with smaller
branches coming off of them. Jimmy would make a mark real quick and then just ball up
his paper. He agreed to let me help him. He held the pencil and I put my hand on his. At
first, it was my hand moving the pencil eventually, I let up a little and just kept it there for
support. Before he knew it, he was drawing the branches himself. I will never forget the
way he looked at me when he realized he was doing it. �� Besides, Jimmy and all the
kiddos, I was honored to be Teacher Of The Year twice in my career. Once it was in
Citrus County as and Art teacher and again in Duval County as a Kindergarten teacher.
What challenges do you face as a teacher, especially in terms of resources and
support?
As a teacher, your biggest challenge is time. There are so many demands from the state
and paperwork that sometimes, I think they forget teachers teach all day. A teacher’s
work is never done. They work through the evenings, holidays, and summers to make
sure they have everything ready for their students. The next biggest challenge is money.
The budget is low for supplies so teachers spend a lot out of pocket for their classroom
and students. Teachers are constantly buying ink cartridges, sheet protectors, pens,
highlighters, headphones, labels, paper, treasure box items, books, and the list goes on.
Teachers teach for their passion to help children learn. It is not an easy job. I have so
much respect for all of my fellow teachers especially the ones in general education
classrooms. I have been there and know how much energy it takes.
How do you think this charity event will make a difference for teachers like
yourself?
I think it is so amazing that the gym is doing this! For teachers to know that others care
and support them even when they do not know them is priceless! The teaching
profession exposes you to a lot of hurdles to jump over and negative opinions
sometimes from people that just may not realize what a day in the job is like. That is why
this event is great! It is a great way to show local teachers that someone is pulling for
them (literally). It is important for teachers to feel supported by their community. From a
teacher, for teachers, thank you!
What motivates you to continue teaching despite the challenges that come with
the profession?
Like I said previously, it is truly the kids! When I retire in a few years, I know I will miss
them. Even though some can drive you crazy, you find that special connection with them
and it is priceless! For me, I am lucky to see the whole school as an art teacher. I am
also a Morning Mile and GORUCK Kids Tribe coach in the mornings before school. It is
all about helping the kids to find their voice, build the self-confidence, and believe in
themselves. That is why I volunteer to do the morning program with them and the events
after school. We are a school family. We are a team with the parents, each other, and
the students. Our goal is to build up and support our young student minds so they can
be their best self! I look forward to seeing them each day. ��
How can the community better support teachers, both inside and outside the
classroom?
Maybe not harp on negative stuff in the news. As families, remember your student’s
teacher has a classroom of kids who each learn different and need different supports
and challenges. I always tried to create a family and teacher team for the success of
each of my students. When you aren’t sure about something, just send a message.
Teachers and parents both want the same thing, success for their child. Open
communication is Key! Also, business supporting with food, activities, supplies, and gift
cards are great pick me ups for teachers. Also, a smile and a thank you goes a long
way!!!
What advice would you give to aspiring teachers who wants to make a difference?
I would say, remember your passion for the students. Celebrate the little moments with
them. Celebrate those moments with the parents. Tt is a team effort for the success of
the child. The job is hard, demanding, and exhausting. Just remember to laugh, breathe,
and smile. Do not try to be perfect, just be there for the kids. The workload never ends
so write your must dos each day, and when done let the rest of the work go until later.
As wellness coordinator at my school, I remind my fellow teachers to always take time
for themselves each day. It is hard to do as a teacher, but probably the most important
thing you can do for yourself. Be proud of being there for your students, some students
need it more than you know. Don’t forget, You’ve Got This!
