- About Me -
My Budding Career
I am currently a senior at The College of New Jersey studying English and Secondary Education and History as a minor. I have just finished my student teaching semester at Bordentown Regional High School in Bordentown, NJ teaching British Literature in 11th grade English Honors. Previously, I taught in West Windsor-Plainsboro South High School in West Windsor, NJ for my Junior Field Experience. There, I taught a two-week unit on Of Mice and Men to a 9th grade inclusive Language Arts college prep class. Prior to this, I tutored and completed fieldwork in Ewing, NJ's Fisher Middle School.
Outside of TCNJ, I have gained experience in both curriculum writing and working with youth. In the summer of 2015, I was a youth leader and counselor in the Youth Ministry Program (ages 12 to 17) in Ocean Grove, NJ. There, I taught planned and taught weekly lessons, lead small group bible study and discussion, mentored teenagers one-on-one, managed large group activities, and planned events for the teenagers in town. In the summer of 2016, I interned for Summit Ministries in Manitou Springs, CO in their publishing and curriculum department. Here, I drafted curriculum for the middle and high school levels and edited and proofed curriculum for elementary school. This allowed me to develop my planning and writing abilities, as I had the opportunity to be a part of the creation of an engaging and challenging course of study. In addition to this office work, I had the privilege of leading and mentoring the students (ages 15 to 24) who attend Summit's two-week conferences. Throughout both of these experiences, as well as student teaching, I not only gained practical tools and skills that I can use in my teaching practices, but I also built valuable, supportive, and encouraging relationships with the students under my care. And that was definitely my favorite part.
Why Teaching?
I am excited about learning. Ever since I can remember, I have always been that student (well, almost always) that has loved to come to school each day eager to learn. From the time I first learned to read and write, I have developed a passion for both of these areas. Throughout my entire school career, I have had supportive and encouraging English teachers and professors who have constantly challenged my abilities and pushed me to my full potential. I want to do the same for my students.
I have a strong desire to teach young people, to impart wisdom and inspire them to do their best as they become young adults who take responsibility as the upcoming generation. I believe that the middle and high school years are crucial for any young person, because it is here where students are starting to become who they will be for the rest of their lives. As a teacher, I want to be able to impact my students in a positive way before they head off to college and then the real world. Literature is a wonderful way to do this, to teach the timeless truths of the world and how we experience it. When we learn through our writing and the writing of others what it means to be human, what it means to be a person, the English classroom sets the perfect stage on which we can explore this as a group and as unique individuals.
