Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

Question: Where do you teach and what grade level? 

Answer: I teach self-contained first-grade English as a Second Language (ESL) at Pine Shadows Elementary School. 

Question: What do you like about teaching ESL self-contained? 

Answer: I love teaching self-contained ESL because I can communicate in a variety of formats. I also love the variety; I teach phonics, math, science, English, social studies, and everything in between. 

Question: What is your teaching philosophy? 

Answer: I consider my teaching philosophy essential; every student has a right to learn regardless of external circumstances. I want students to enjoy what they learn and how they learn. Education is a fundamental right; Every Child should have access to an excellent one!  

Question:  Where are you from originally? 

Answer: I'm originally from Lander, Wyoming. My childhood was marked by adventures in nature, with stunning national park backdrops forming a part of my everyday life. These iconic locations, which you often see on the set of Yellowstone, served as more than just stunning backgrounds; they became my playground. I visited all those national parks every weekend growing up. 

Question: What inspired you to pursue a career in education?  

Answer: I've wanted to be a teacher since I was little. I always loved sharing what I was learning; sometimes, I would teach my dogs how to dance! Then, in high school, I was a teacher's aide for my own kindergarten teacher! That's Why I fell in love with teaching. I went straight into college with an elementary education degree. FINALLY, I added a special education (SPED) degree at the end of my freshman year to better support every kiddo in my classroom.

Question:  What do you love most about teaching? 

Answer: I love all of it. Some mornings, I wake up and think I would rather sleep in, but then I get to school and am energized about being here. I love the learning space I've created for my students and enjoy watching them grow. When a concept clicks for the first time, it's a highlight of my day, week, year! 

Question: What drew you to SBISD?

Answer: I was initially offered a paid residency from Wyoming, where I went to college. However, as I've been here, I've fallen in love with everything about SBISD, from the lesson plans to the people I work with and the students I teach. This is a wonderful place to feel less overwhelmed living in the big city.

Question: How do you think you align with SBISD’s values? 

Answer: I'm curious and love how SBISD encourages students of all ages to be curious and explore the world around them. I also love how SBISD makes sure Every Child has the tools they need to enter the world successfully upon graduating. While I'm at the beginning of that process, I love fostering the little minds in my classroom. 

Question: What are you looking forward to this school year? 

Answer: As a first-year teacher, I am filled with excitement about the upcoming school year. I am eager to further develop my teaching philosophy and become the best teacher I can be. I am particularly thrilled about the prospect of discovering new tools and resources for my students, including Chris, a toy frog dressed in a pumpkin costume, who has become our class mascot. This excitement fuels my dedication to providing the best learning experience for my students. 

Question: What do you like the most about Houston? 

Answer: What I love most about Houston is its vibrant diversity. The city feels alive with so many things to do, people to meet, food to savor, and experiences to cherish. Coming from Wyoming, I felt a bit confined, but Houston's diversity and cultural richness have truly captivated me. I miss the mountains, but I've come to love Houston's outdoor areas, including Memorial Park and Terry Hershey Park. And the music scene here is just fantastic, with so many concerts and musical acts to enjoy!