My Philosophy

Engaging educators in the work of the association to empower them to use their voice to improve the quality and experience of those within the public education system. 

Through my conversation with educators, I have found that many feel powerless, but within the association they can find their power and voice, again. Individually, you can make change, but as a collective you can move mountains.

As an education policy researcher, I am an advocate for the rights of educators and students; as educators' working conditions, are students' learning conditions. This work does not reap its benefits over night, but I am committed to engaging educators for the long-term gain. 

In my graduate course work and time as a high school Spanish teacher in New Jersey, I have focused my organizing efforts, research and advocacy on teacher preparation, professional development around technology, and the teacher shortage crisis. I believe that one of the key approaches to resolving many of our current education challenges is to continue creating spaces for the voices and experiences of educators to be used to tackle the issues they confront regularly. Furthermore, recognizing that educators are experts in their field with strategies and expertise. 

The solution lies within the types of programs, and professional development provided to educators, as well as our ability to learn from what is not functioning appropriately within our education system. Moreover, the teacher’s union is a place to unite and empower educators to move their vision forward. 

As educators, we have the responsibility to advocate for the genuine pursuit of equity and inclusion, and to strive to address the most uncertain, complex, and ambiguous parts of our education system, lives, and world. This work will not only improve the quality of education, but also the lives of educators and students.

Therefore, I am committed to helping us learn how to get there.