I am from Bath, Michigan, which is just about ten minutes away from Michigan State University. When it came time to go to school, I knew that I wanted to attend MSU, but went the community college route first for two years. I knew that getting my basics out of the way there would allow me to really concentrate on my classes needed to become a teacher when I got to MSU. I am currently in my third year of teaching sixth grade Social Studies at the Middle School at Parkside in Jackson, Michigan. I teach Social Studies because that was always my favorite subject growing up. I loved learning about geography and history.
From my time in the education program to my years of teaching, I have always thought about my students first. In my classroom, I want students to be thinkers. I want them to learn to think for themselves. I don’t want them to rely on a textbook, friend or teacher to just give them an answer. The more I can get them to be critical thinkers, the better. Also, I know that my students are young, but I want to give them skills that will help them later in life. This could mean reading, writing, and evaluating sources online. I want to make them ready for life after middle or high school whether that's a job or more schooling.
One of my beliefs is that the best way to become an excellent teacher is to create great relationships with your students. You have to let them know that you care about them and want them to succeed and do well. When students know you care, they are willing to work harder for you. For me, I like to learn a little bit about each of my students early in the year to try and make a connection with them. I also enjoy attending their sporting events as well as chaperoning after school activities. It allows for the students to see me as more than just their teacher.
Outside of education, I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends. That is something that is really important to me. I also enjoy traveling as well. I have been fortunate enough to have friends that like to doing the same. Some of the places I have been to include St. Petersburg, Florida, Dallas, Texas, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Some more of my hobbies include watching movies and television. One of my greatest passions in life is sports. I have been a sports fan as long as I can remember. I love Michigan State sports teams along with all of the major Detroit teams as well. Growing up I played basketball and golf in which I played on both of those teams at my school. These are still sports I play today. After high school and knowing my athletic career was over, I got into coaching. I have coached basketball at a few different levels and coached middle school football as well.