At which school in the district do you teach?
I teach at Stroudsburg High School.
What subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Sociology, AP U.S. History, 20th Century Liberal Studies, and American Pop Culture
How long have you been teaching at SASD?
I started teaching as a Long-Term Substitute for Ms. Loughman in Spring 2025, and have been a LTS for Mr. Lanfrank since this past fall. So, just over a year!
What is your favorite part about teaching?
Building meaningful connections to the present day. There are so many subjects within social studies that carry a lot of relevance to our lives and the world around us. History is happening every single day! My goal as a teacher is to get students thinking about the world around them, its problems, and how we can work together to build a better world. Sure, our conversations may get us off-track…but I don’t mind. The passion I see from my students motivates me to want to see what they accomplish next.
What is one piece of advice you would share with your students?
Life will get better. It really does. I didn’t want to believe it when I was in high school, but it’s true. One day, you will grow and become the person you were always meant to be, so give yourself some grace. You will figure it out, and it doesn’t have to happen right away. Your life is just starting! Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the little things.
How do you deal with misbehaving students?
My rule of thumb is to try to meet kids where they are. Nothing ever ends well when I raise my voice, plus, I’m not the most intimidating person… 9 times out of 10, there is an underlying reason for why people do bad things. To me, finding out what that underlying reason is and solving it together is more important than instantly punishing someone.
What is your proudest achievement?
Definitely landing my first-ever teaching job here at Stroudsburg!
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
When I was in high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. All I knew is that I wanted to help people. I wasn’t smart enough to be a doctor…so, teaching became the next best thing haha. But seriously, I feel so lucky to be able to make a positive impact on other people’s lives.
What makes you smile?
Media! Of all kinds! I can’t help it. Music, movies, TV, novels, manga, video games… I thrive in sedentary lifestyles and hobbies. That, and my cat Pepper!
What is something your students have taught you?
No matter how many degrees or qualifications a person has, everybody is still a student of life. I learn something new from my students every single day. Everything from fun facts I’ve never heard of before, to the latest memes that my elder Gen Z brain can’t comprehend…