Model Teachers:
High School Social Studies

Content: High School Social Studies
School: An Achievable Dream Middle & High
Years Taught: 14

What do you most love about teaching?
I love it when I see students become passionate about what they are learning. They build a better sense of our world, which gives them a better sense of themselves. This job is never boring, and it feels great to make a positive difference in education.

What makes NNPS a great school division?
NNPS is great because of the people who work here. NNPS is dedicated to teaching students to be ready for life after their schooling with us. Our mission is to equip students with the skills they need to be college, career, and citizen-ready. NNPS is also dedicated to supporting teachers with what they need to carry on the mission of educating children.

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
All great teachers have great support systems. I am excited to be a part of a team who supports the making of great teachers. The better we are as teachers, the better our students will learn both in and out of our classrooms.

Content: High School Social Studies
School: Denbigh High
Years Taught: 8

What do you most love about teaching?
One of my favorite things about teaching is the interaction I have with my students. I love the looks on their faces when they finally understand something for the first time or when they do well on an assignment. Watching students be successful, not only in my class but in their other classes as well, is awesome, and it really speaks to the relationships a teacher is able to forge with the students.

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I was in their same place not too long ago, so I still understand the hardships they will be facing as they transition through their first few years. Similarly, I have found it easier to go to other teachers around my age because we often have a lot in common. Working with other teachers is exciting because you get to tap into their passions and help them take those passions and transplant them into the classroom.

Why do you love working in NNPS?
I really love working for NNPS for a number of reasons, the biggest being the opportunities I have been given. As a newer teacher in the district, I assumed there would not be many opportunities for me, but that is not true. So far I've had the opportunity to act as a club sponsor, write curriculum over the summer, participate on a number of decision-making committees, hold a leadership position as a content team leader, as well as, present at professional development. NNPS is a very welcoming division. They understand the importance of speaking with their teachers and supporting them, whether it be through curriculum development, professional development, or opportunities for growth within the individual schools.

Content: High School Social Studies
School: Warwick High
Years Taught: 17

What do you most love about teaching?
What I love most about teaching is the opportunity to reinvent myself every year. Every summer I examine and reflect on the past year. I try to be honest about my successes and failures. I refine my successes, and come up with ways to improve upon my failures. Whether it is enhancing my organization habits or coming up with new and innovative lessons, I strive to sharpen my teaching craft. I even go as far as tweaking my hairstyle and clothing choices. I believe that a person's physical appearance is part of the entire package, and it makes me feel good about myself. After a summer of reflection and self-care, I come back ready to inspire others and learn for the new year.

What two words best describe you as a teacher? Why?
I consider myself to be an inspiring advocate. Every day I try to inspire my students to seek out what they are passionate about in the world. By instilling a love for learning and growth in my students, I believe I am acting as an advocate for a pluralistic and caring future community.

Why do you love working in NNPS?
NNPS is an amazing place to work because I truly believe that our district exemplifies the concept of "it takes a village…". I am fortunate enough to speak from the perspective of both a parent and an employee. NNPS has so many programs in place to foster growth in its students, teachers, support staff, and administrators. My family recently moved to a new home outside of the district, however, my husband and I decided to keep our daughter enrolled in NNPS because we know that she will have the best opportunity to excel academically, emotionally, and socially. In addition, as far as teaching goes, I feel like I am in a supportive and open work environment. As a result, I am able to thrive as a professional.