Staff Alumni

What motivated you to return to CCS-America as a teacher? 

My son was attending CCS-Leland as a kindergartener which led me on the search for a job. I found the scheduling at CCS-Leland to be more suitable. I never realized how much being a substitute would affect me; it put me on the path to becoming a teacher.

How has your experience as a student here influenced your teaching approach? 

 As a student I made connections with my teachers that have lasted to this day. Those teachers saved me. As a child going through things at home I valued the structure and the expectation of days at school. Knowing these things I continue to hold my students to great expectations and strive to keep a well managed classroom. I believe these simple rules gain the relationships with the students.

What unique perspective or insights do you bring to the classroom as an alum? 

I am an alumni that did not attend all the grade levels of the school. I did not start school here until my 7th grade year. I feel as if I can understand students that are doing the same thing. It is different here but what those differences students see as a negative I can bring it to a positive understanding. I believe this helps with their focus being taken away from the negatives and put to light a better attitude towards learning.

In what ways do you think the school(s) have changed since you were student a student, and how does that impact your teaching? 

As a student we had more opportunity to connect with the world by giving a current event report each week in History class and there was less direct instruction teaching. I, as a teacher, appreciate direct instruction. I feel it prepares students more with “tools for their tool box” to better succeed for high school. I do, however, feel we should bring back more of a connection to the world as history does repeat itself. The youth today are disconnected from the world around them with social media being their focus.

What advice do you have for current students based on your journey from student to teacher here? 

Take everything in! No you may not like everything that is done at this school but it will better prepare you for the jobs to come.

Can you share an example of how your familiarity with the school's culture has benefited your teaching? 

I already knew the expectations of myself coming in. The “old ideals” of ladies in skirts and having your shirt tucked in is uncommon in most atmospheres. However, having done this for myself as a student, which I did not appreciate, I now recognize these ideals as a form of setting expectations.