For the future?
I hope to go to a good college. I’m not sure what my major will be, but I am in the piano pathway at Stivers. I’ve been playing piano since I was 7 or 8 and want to continue that. I also have a love for photography and hope to advance my studies there too. I just like to challenge myself. I know my summer job and class work will help my GPA.
What advice do you have for students considering YouthWorks?
I would tell them it is something that they should do! They can make some money of their own and learn a lot about the workforce. You’ll be more likely to get a job because you have that experience.
Position:
Elementary school teacher, Brookville Schools 20
Years served: How is your job different now than when you started?
I began my career as a secondand third-grade looping teacher in our district. This means I kept the same class of students for two years. I taught second and third grade for 16 years. Four years ago I began a new adventure as a multi-age teacher.
What does a multi-age classroom looks like?
My multi-age classroom has students ages 6-9. Typically, I have eight-nine students in each grade (first, second and third). Although there are different grade levels present, the focus of a multi-age classroom is the continuum of learning rather than separate curricula. This means lots of differentiation and individualization for students! Because the children stay with me for three years, I get to know their learning styles and personalities. Older students enjoy helping younger children learn. They develop very close relationships and the class has an atmosphere of “family.”
Tell us about your family and hobbies outside of teaching
My parents were both teachers at Brookville, so genetically I was bound to land in education! My husband, Chris, is a pharmacist at Good Samaritan Hospital. We have two sons. Cameron, 20, is a French horn performance major at Indiana University. Jeremy will be a senior at Brookville. He runs cross-country and track and is involved in orchestra and band. He is marching with Cincinnati Tradition Drum Corps this summer. This makes me a full-time band mom! I love to hike, read, play Zelda, and run with my family.