5th Year Teacher

Mitchell Elementary School

What is your personal mission when it comes to how you improve educational opportunities for your students?

“There’s enough room for everyone at the table to eat. So if you get a seat, scoot over.”

This quote always comes to mind when I think about the educational opportunities that our students deserve to have. We have to believe in the work that we do and we have to believe that we can make positive change happen. I believe all students have the abilities to achieve greatness. As teachers, it’s our job to help them see their potential and create space for them to unleash their potential.

what are your plans for how you will use your award?

My plan is to put this money towards my savings to be able to purchase a home in Charleston.

What’s the best advice you have for educators on how to achieve academic growth like yours?

One piece of advice is to trust every stakeholder involved and give them a voice. I find that when there’s consistent communication between the teacher, parent, interventionist, grandparent, guidance counselor, or any other person that works with a child, we have to be consistent in our language and how we have a common goal: to meet the child where they are and help them succeed.