Is this your first year teaching?
“This is actually my fourth year teaching. For the previous three school years I was at a therapeutic day school in Palatine called Kirk School.”
What inspired you to switch from the other school to Prospect?
“I was a Prospect graduate myself, so Prospect has always held a special place in my heart. I was a part of the education academy program when I was here, so I learned a lot about becoming a teacher, and I’ve known that I wanted to come back and be a part of inspiring students here at Prospect.”
Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher?
“I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher growing up. I love working with students and I love learning, but I think being a part of education academy at district 214 really helped me decide to pursue special education.”
Did you have a specific moment that inspired you to go into special education?
“When students have those “aha” moments and when they’re able to connect their learning and understand a new concept and when you see that lightbulb in a student’s leaning.
What do you think makes a difference working with special education students versus other students?
“Working in special education, the biggest difference is really ensuring all students feel included and empowered to be Knight and be successful in their classrooms.”
Do you see yourself here at Prospect for the rest of your teaching career?
“Being at Prospect for the rest of my teaching career is definitely a goal of mine. I love the Prospect community; I think there is such a strong and unique culture here, and I would love to continue to inspire Knights every day.”
What did your education look like to get to this point?
“I graduated from Prospect, and then I attended Illinois State University to major in special education, and then after Illinois State I went to Buena Vista University to get my masters degree in curriculum and instruction.”
How does working with special education students impact your life individually?
“I think working with special education students impacts my life by always inspiring me every day. My students make me laugh, they have great and unique ideas, and I am just really happy and passionate to come to work every day!”
