Dream Teaching Job: I want to teach kindergarten through third grade. I hope to set up an after school theatre program at whatever school I end up at because life isn’t complete without a little drama.
Why did you join KDP: I joined KDP because I was new in my education major, so I did not have many connections with my peers nor any opportunities to broaden my horizons. This organization provided me with a path, and it helped me to feel more included and prepared for this adventure of teaching. KDP instills the fundamentals of leadership, service, and scholarship, which I believe will be the keys to making me an exceptional educator.
Why do you want to be a teacher: Being a teacher seems like a perfect fit for me. I am passionate about students, and I care deeply about schools. As a teacher, I believe I can inspire others and, hopefully, make an impact. I do not want to simply go to school every day, teach for seven hours, and then go home for the evening. I intend to be an educator who makes a difference. I want to improve the quality of education in this country. Sharing my ideas with others and implementing them into the classroom is the first step. Education has definitely come a long way in terms of reform, but I think we can do better! I plan to use my voice as a teacher, as a student, and as a citizen to defend and improve education.
Favorite Children’s Book: Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park
Favorite JMU Class: ISAT 495 taught by Linda Harpine and Andrea Adams. This is a Children’s Engineering course, and I love how this class teaches us how to incorporate technology and engineering into our future classrooms, no matter what grade level!
Favorite Memory from KDP: My favorite KDP memory would definitely be the Annual Educators’ Conference. It is amazing to see how a student-run organization can create such a successful and interesting conference. When I attended my first conference here, it just confirmed what I already knew: that being a teacher is exactly what I need to be. I cannot wait to be a part of running the conference next year.
Fun Fact: I performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in my high school’s production of The Wizard of Oz my senior year, so I have got the witch cackle and witch voice down. ;-)
