Biography

In my classroom, I strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment. I know that in order to think, write and speak about themselves, others and the world, students need to feel respected and understood. Providing them with opportunities to practice and have authentic opportunities helps them grow and achieve goals that will support them in school and life. I encourage them to enroll in Early College at UMass Boston, play sports and join organizations such as Hyde Square Task Force. I also require that they demonstrate their understanding through exhibitions for members of the school community as well as caring visitors from outside of school. For example, sophomores from National Honor Society gave a college presentation to the 7th and 8th grade class as part of their community service requirements. The middle school students cheered for them at the end and invited them to return again. 

My own real world experiences include grant writing; tutoring at a college writing center; substitute teaching at a Jesuit high school; and working at a women's shelter. These post-college jobs prepared me to want to teach young people. My teaching experiences include English, Humanities, History and ESL.  Through the Gates Foundation, I have trained with Facing History and Ourselves, Primary Source, the Davis Center at Harvard and the BU African Studies department. I also was able to complete the REAL (Responsive Education Alternatives Lab) Institute with BDEA (Boston Day and Evening Academy) to learn Competency-based Instruction. Moreover, workshops at Boston Debate League's Evidence Based Argumentation summer institutes prepared me for using debate in my classroom and supporting the debate team at my school during tournaments. 

Students completing assignments independently. 

Students working together to prepare for a debate.

Students presenting their findings about homelessness in Boston to elementary school children.