On September 12, 2023, the New York State Department of Education and New York State United Teachers made the formal announcement that I had been selected as the 2024 New York State Teacher of the Year. Surrounded by friends, family, and new colleagues, I was ready to embark on my professional journey.

In February 2024, the 2024 CCSSO National Teacher of the Year cohort convened in San Jose, CA. It was there that I met teachers and new friends from every state, commonwealth, and territory! With a week of professional learning and reflection under our belts, including a day at Googleplex, I felt more prepared to be the teacher leader that New Yorkers want.

Visiting Washington, DC was a highlight of the 2024 NTOY experience! With a trip to the White House for an official State Dinner hosted by Dr. Jill Biden, a stop at the Department of Education with Dr. Miguel Cardona, and running Capitol Hill to advocate for education, this week solidified my passion for education advocacy.

When you win the Superbowl, you go to Disney World. When you become a State Teacher of the Year, you so to SPACE CAMP!

Admittedly, I was nervous about getting on the plane to Huntsville, AL because I was unsure of what I was about to get into... but after a week of team building and learning alongside my fellow STOYs, I walked away with a renewed vision of the joy of learning.

In October 2024, the 2024 NTOY Cohort hosted the first ever Impact & Influence Conference, a first-of-its-kind virtual conference hosted by teachers, for teachers. Our goal was to lead and share our passion with teachers and stakeholders across the US!