What drew you to teaching, and what is your favorite part about working with elementary students?

The joy of discovery is what drew me to teaching. Students have a natural sense of wonder, and I have always connected with that in my own life because I consider myself a very curious person. I enjoy working with elementary-aged students because their minds are open, and they get very excited about new things! I get to shape young lives during the most important years of brain growth and I take great responsibility and joy in that!

When you aren't in the classroom, how do you like to spend your time? What are a few of your favorite hobbies?

Hanging out with my son, Liam, is one of my favorite things to do. Besides that, I love to read. I read 41 total books last year and hope to surpass that number this year! Traveling is a passion of mine because I enjoy seeing new places and experiencing different cultures! 

Mosaic Microschool prioritizes an individualized, inquiry-based approach to learning. What does "child-led learning" look like in your classroom?

Child-led learning in my classroom empowers students to guide their own education based on their interests and curiosity. Instead of sitting at desks for traditional lectures, students choose how to explore subjects, complete hands-on projects, and learn at their own pace while I act as a supportive guide and encourager. Compassion projects, flexible grouping, choice boards, and open learning are just a few things you may witness in my classroom.

How do you approach tailoring lessons to meet different learning paces and styles so that every child feels both supported and challenged?

I tailor lessons by adjusting the content, process, and product to fit individual needs and interests of the students within my classroom. I use flexible pacing, allowing students to choose how they show their work, and design activities around personal interests to keep learners engaged. 

If we walked into your classroom, what would we see, hear, and experience?

You would see active learning in a supportive and fun environment. You would see children learning and playing authentically. You would hear laughter, words of encouragement, and conversation. You would be welcomed and valued!

We love hands-on learning and creativity here. Can you share an example of a favorite project or unique learning experience you’ve facilitated in the past?

One of my most favorite projects ever was when my class created a Class Market. The students researched and created their own stores within the market. The stores/stands were created from cardboard. The students named their businesses, created products to sell to customers shopping the market, and they set prices for their items. Each student was given a budget of $20. That money could be used to establish their businesses or it could be used to shops the products of other vendors within the market. After all of the money was spent at the market, we charted and graphed data about the market (start-up costs, most shopped store, etc). It was a blast!

How do you plan to cultivate a strong sense of community, kindness, and collaboration among the students this year?

My classroom is a place where I hope every child feels accepted, heard, and safe.

Similarities, differences, strengths and weaknesses are honored! Conversation, interests, and explorations will happen everyday to grow our understanding of our school family and community. 

What is one specific theme, project, or topic you are absolutely thrilled to explore with the students this upcoming school year?

I would absolutely love to learn about the importance of bees with the students and then create a pollination station for them to view and take care of!

How do you view the partnership between teacher and parents, and how do you like to keep families connected to their child's learning journey?

Parents are essential to the success of the students within the school, so I take partnering with parents very seriously. Open communication and dialogue about the social, emotional, and educational well-being of the students will happen regularly. Monthly newsletters with curriculum topics, big ideas, ways to help at home, etc will be issued to all parents. 

To wrap things up, what is one message or big hope you want to share with our incoming Mosaic families as we head into the fall?

I am so excited to get to know you and your child(ren). I look forward to all of the exploring, growing, and learning that will happen this year!!