How long have you been a teacher? A teacher at WRHS?.
I have been a teacher for 15 years ‒ since 2010. I have taught at Wachusett Regional High School for 10 years ‒ since 2012, leaving for a few years when my kids were young.
Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?
My health teacher in high school got me interested in the health field. We still keep in touch today! We taught in the same department at WSU for a short time and it was a great experience. I also became close with a few of my Health Science professors in college, who gave me the idea of going into education.
Are you involved in any other additional activities at the school or in the community?
Mrs. White and I are co-advisors for HOSA, Psych Club and Mountaineers Make Miracles.
What is your favorite topic to teach?
My favorite topics to teach are mental health and drug abuse, although I love it all.
What is your least favorite thing about being a teacher?
I only get to see a majority of my students sophomore year and I would like to see their skills develop throughout their entire high school experience.
What is the most important life lesson you teach? Or what is a piece of advice you would give to your students?
Always work on yourself and better yourself through your relationships in your community and academics.
What is one thing you would tell new teachers/want them to know?
Be prepared to learn a lot from your students as well.
What do you think is an important thing for all teachers to keep in mind?
Every student is a person outside of your class and has their own strengths and weaknesses.
What do you think makes you a good teacher?
I try to make sure what is learned in class can be used effectively in a student’s life, outside of the classroom.
What is your funniest teaching story?
Around my first few years of teaching, an administrator walked in while students were about to play a game during the reproductive unit. The administrator did not know what the game was about, but once they found out they picked up their stuff and left without a word. Everyone laughed.
What is a random fact about you that would surprise most students?
I took a beekeeping class at UMass Medical School and became a beekeeper for eight years. I had an apiary at home and ran it with my husband, but stopped because he became allergic!
Student Quotes:
“She makes learning health fun,” -Catherine Collard, Junior.
“She’s good at talking to you and makes you feel like you’re meant to be here,” -Cora McRell, Junior.
