Who or what influenced you to be a teacher?
My mother has been an educator in Atlanta for 30 years. She certainly had an influence on me. In addition, I have worked at summer camps for years and really enjoy providing opportunities for young people.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a teacher?
Time! There is never enough time to get everything done that needs to get done. Especially, when children are my priority!

What intrigued you about the opportunities with Teach For America?
As a sociology major in college, I studied often that the only way to truly affect change is alter the structure of education at a society-wide level. I truly believe this is what Teach For America will do in the long run. They certainly have a lifelong advocate for children in me.

What’s one interesting thing your students don’t know about you?
I am a competitive disc golf player and if they came to find me on any given Saturday, they would find me at one of Charlotte’s disc golf courses.

Subject
I currently teach Special Education in Charlotte Mecklenburg. I teach 6th and 7th graders math and language arts. I am also the Special Education Department Chair at my school.

School
McClintock Middle School, Charlotte

Years Teaching
2 years

Education
I graduated from the University of Georgia in 2008 with a Bachelor’s in Sociology. Since joining Teach For America in Charlotte, I have started coursework towards a Masters in Special Education at UNCC.

Favorite Bobcats player
Stephen Jackson because I hear that he is a true team player.