Ignite the Spark is a teacher award program that highlights the individuals who are inspiring Milwaukee’s next generation. This year MMAC is honoring 10 educators representing all Milwaukee schools (public, private, charter) and all grade levels (K-5, K-8, 6-8, HS)
What inspired you to become an educator?
Both of my parents have been educators for all of their lives. My mom teaches elementary and my dad teaches high school. For school projects, I often had to interview them on what they liked about their jobs. Their answers were always that they loved their students, loved what they taught and loved being able to be a positive influence in people’s lives. Seeing that as a child definitely made me interested in the field of education.
How would you describe your teaching philosophy or approach to learning?
My teaching philosophy is to meet students wherever they are in their academic journey. As a middle school teacher, I strive to connect with each of my students with their various learning styles and educational backgrounds. I believe it is crucial to adapt how we teach and serve students so that they can find success with their short-term goals and long-term dreams.
What do you find most rewarding about being an educator?
As a middle school social studies teacher, I have the opportunity to teach students about history that they have never learned before. It’s extremely rewarding to see students’ curiosity, challenge each other in debates and make connections to today’s world. I also provide opportunities for students to analyze what we are learning about the United States and integrate how Milwaukee was involved. It’s also amazing to work with such a great group of coworkers who care so deeply about what they do. Being a part of a team like I have at my school is such a blessing.
What is one of the biggest challenges you face as an educator today?
The biggest challenge today is the use of technology in our students’ lives. With so much access to information and the internet, it can be a blessing and a curse. Our goal as educators is to spark interest in the content we teach and foster skills they will use for life. The challenge is figuring out how to incorporate technology in a meaningful way that both engages our students and offers them opportunities to think critically.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in education?
My biggest piece of advice would be to remember educating is an art not a science. There are so many different ways to teach, so many options for curricula and multiple ways to manage a classroom. It will take time to figure out what works best for you and your students. As long as you have the mindset that the student’s learning is the priority, everything else will fall into place.
What excites you most about the future of education?
Our students have such bright futures. They are so curious about the world around them and are constantly thinking about how they will fit into our future world. Education’s goal should be to adapt, so I am excited to see where the future of education will lead for teachers and students alike.
