Q: Who is a woman who inspired you in your career in education, and how did she influence you?
A: The woman who most inspired me in my career was my very first English department chairperson, Mrs. Theresa Claire, who believed in me and in my abilities to flourish as an educator. As a first-year teacher at Island Trees High School, I was confident that I could turn to her for advice on just about anything, whether it was how to craft a more engaging lesson or how to best meet the needs of a student who might be struggling. As my most trusted mentor, she invested in me, in my dreams, and in my challenges, and offered not only her boundless wisdom and vast experience to me, but also valued my contributions to the department and to Island Trees High School. Each day, she reminded me to reflect on what I had accomplished, not just the challenges I may have faced. To this day, she is one of my very best friends and my biggest inspiration because of her love for public education and for her belief in both teachers and students. Though she has been retired since 1995, she is still involved in student scholarships and stays current with all things Island Trees and education: she is truly a lifelong mentor, whose love for literature and writing lives on in all of the students whose lives she touched.
Q: What advice would you give girls in high school who might want to work in education or leadership someday?
A: One of my favorite sayings captures how I feel about a life dedicated to education and leadership: “Other people have to go to work, but we get to go to school every day and make a difference in the lives of students.” Teaching and leading must come from the heart, and while it is essential to be a content expert with exceptional skills, it is equally important to realize that as we grow inquisitive students in our academic classrooms, we are also growing good human beings. We model all that we wish to see in our students beyond the content we teach, and this is a wonderful responsibility in this life of public service. For those who wish to become an educational leader, I offer simple advice: stay connected to teachers, students, families, and learning. An administrator must be an instructional leader, and the best way to stay connected is to keep the flame of teaching alive in your everyday practice. The shift to administration is an incredible opportunity to share your passion in order to impact more students. I have loved every moment of my teaching and leading here in our small and mighty district.
Q: What motivates you to keep improving education for students in our district?
A: I am motivated by the incredible community of students, staff, and families I serve every day in the Island Trees School District, my second family. I am proud to share that I have a philosophy of removing roadblocks in order for strong programs to grow, for teachers to get what they need, and for students to shine. I regard my role to serve our community as a privilege. When someone shares an idea that will positively impact our students, I am proud to work shoulder-to-shoulder to make good ideas a reality. I try to pull up a chair and listen, to identify gaps that need to be addressed, and to celebrate student success in as many ways possible. I am motivated to remain a resource to the staff, and when I see the positive outcome of a new course, a summer program, a project, or even an everyday lesson, I am beyond proud. Every small win is a huge step in keeping our district strong and successful.
