What do you do at The Cooper School and how long have you been here?

This is my 3rd year at TCS and I teach Kindergarten.

What do you value about being at TCS?

I value the fact that we are a team here.  We are always working together collaboratively across grade levels. Due to this, there is an abundance of mutual respect among the staff.

What’s something you’ve learned teaching here?

I’ve learned about the power of positivity and how working with others with the same educational beliefs and goals makes you a stronger teacher and a better person overall.    

Which educator has influenced you the most in your life, and how?

My 4th Grade teacher, Mr. Birmbaum, instilled a joy of learning in me and taught me that I could do anything!  He truly cared about his students and always made learning fun.  I will always remember him!

What do you look forward to in your role here (lesson, section, topic, etc.) each year?

I look forward to the connections and relationships I make with my students each year.  I love my students like they are my own children, and spending time with them brings me joy.

What is an example of your approach to dynamically balancing creative intelligence, self and social intelligence and academic mastery in your work at TCS?

Responsive Classroom training has changed my teaching by showing me the connection between academic success and social-emotional learning.  Responsive Classroom gave me many new strategies for supporting my students academically and socially, and taught me how to set high expectations for learning. 

If you could live in a book, what book would it be?

Little House On the Prairie, because growing up I always loved how simple life was back then.