I am a product of Catholic Education myself! I attended St. Philip Neri for grade school and went to Merion Mercy Academy for high school. I graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies, and minors in History, Political Science, and Theology. I also earned my Master of Arts in Education from Villanova.
This will be my third year teaching Social Studies at SCJN and my fourth year teaching in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Outside of school, I enjoy taking walks, reading, baking, and spending time with friends and family! On the weekends, you can find me rooting for my favorite sports teams: Villanova basketball (of course!) and Chelsea soccer! My absolute favorite thing to do is travel and explore new cities!
I once saw the quote, "Be who you needed when you were younger." I work to center my teaching around this message. When I was younger, I needed someone kind and caring who also managed to push me out of my comfort zone. A teacher should strive to meet students where they are and challenge them to reach their fullest potential. I truly believe that all students are capable of amazing work!
My teaching is grounded in the belief that a classroom should be student-centered. There is no "one size fits all" approach to education. All students are different and uniquely themselves. Therefore, students should have the freedom to explore and express their knowledge in whatever way suits them best. It is my belief that educational learning should be based on collaboration. Students should be able to talk to one another and work together to ask questions and brainstorm ideas and solutions.
Collaboration is only effective when a classroom community is grounded in respect for one another. Respect should be modeled by the teacher by teaching others with kindness and dignity, and by being an active listener. Respectful relationships and community are essential to an effective learning community.