What made you decide to join the Crew at Alma?
I attended charter schools from grades 5-12. I greatly appreciated a charter school’s ability to focus on hands-on learning and individualized growth. After completing my bachelor’s degree in education, I knew I wanted to give back to charter school communities by providing my future students with the same skills and preparation I had received. Alma del Mar’s accepting and imaginative environment was initially intriguing as I continued to meet students and faculty; I knew that Alma was the perfect fit!
What do you hope to contribute to Alma?
As a soon-to-be social studies teacher at Alma, I am excited to change students’ perspectives on what history can look like! My Alma scholars will learn to think like historians through diversified and differentiated project-based learning. Most importantly, I hope to broaden the humanities’ boundaries by enhancing students’ understanding of the social studies curriculum with STEM-based activities. In doing so, my Alma scholars will be able to obtain valuable multi-subject learning experiences!
What teacher made a difference in your life, and how?
Numerous teachers have played a role in my educational success. One of the most influential is Mrs. Kochaneck, my high school social studies teacher. Indeed a master of her craft, Mrs. Kochaneck stopped at nothing to ensure that every student displayed growth and learned about history through a wide lens. Mrs. Kochaneck allowed me to discover my passion for history as a student by producing exciting and captivating lessons. She provided diverse perspectives within the curriculum that allowed her students to understand history outside of the standard textbook point of view. Introducing primary sources and analysis activities from varied races and cultures allowed me to understand the stories that made up events rather than memorizing dates and facts! Attending a diverse school system, my peers could see themselves represented, promoting inclusion within the classroom. As I left high school, my time with Mrs. Kochaneck did not end. Even in college, Mrs. Kochaneck supported my career path by allowing me to complete classroom observation hours and student teaching opportunities as a mentor. The passion for social studies and teaching that Mrs. Kochaneck has inspired me to pursue history as a major in college; I am grateful for her mentorship and support!
Why did you become involved in education?
My path to education was somewhat different. As a 2019 high school graduate, I planned to major in biology with a pre-med concentration and enrolled in classes at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. I will admit; my first semester was tough! As a first-generation college student, I had found myself unprepared for the fast-paced workload of a STEM major. During Christmas break that semester, the Covid-19 Pandemic made waves in the United States, and eventually, classes were moved to online learning. Trying to teach me organic chemistry and calculus at home made me realize I had made the wrong choice! As I waited for my next Zoom class to start, I watched the news then; it clicked. With all of the history happening within the past decade, I suddenly realized the world needed passionate teachers, not only to become a primary source for students but to support those who would be impacted by online learning, just like I had been! I knew that after the spring semester had ended that year, I would change to a career in education, and the rest was history!
Where did you go to college or post-secondary school?
I attended Bridgewater State University, obtaining degrees in History and Secondary Education and a minor in social studies.
What did you like about your college?
Bridgewater State University provides numerous opportunities for all students to challenge themselves within their major(s). As an honors student, I took more difficult writing-intensive courses to improve my skills as a historian. I completed a 30-page thesis through the honors program focusing on the Cuban Revolution. Being able to conduct independent and guided research was extraordinarily fulfilling and provided me with preparation for future higher education opportunities. I was also able to enroll in master’s level classes as an undergraduate to challenge myself and be recognized by the University for my academic achievement! As a commuter student working full-time, I feared that my opportunities on campus would be limited. Still, the campus faculty allowed me to reach my undergraduate goals while creating lifetime connections!
What is your favorite food?
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
What is your favorite book?
“Lost Girls: The Invention of the Flapper” by Linda Simon