What initially inspired you to pursue a career in education?

I fondly remember having the most amazing teachers growing up and fully recognize the lasting impact they have had on my life, even up until today. It’s an incredible honor to know that you have been able to touch so many lives and make a real difference, that is where I derive my inspiration. My history teacher, Bill Entwistle, was an unforgettable high school teacher who took the time to not only teach us the subject matter, but also taught us how to debate, advocate and further develop important communication skills to be utilized in both our professional and personal lives.  From that point on, I knew I wanted to be an educator so I could be a role model just like he was for as many children as possible. 

How did working for over a decade as a special education teacher shape your approach to educational leadership?

As a school leader, you are required to meet the needs of everyone you encounter including students and their family members, staff, and stakeholders. When it comes to teachers, each person brings his or her own varied experiences and unique background, yet for them to grow as individuals, a principal needs to provide them with a safe and nurturing environment while meeting them where they are and providing them with access to key tools to fine tune their teaching skills. When working with teachers, I use a variety of data to determine their areas of strengths and needs. By doing so, I gain the information I need to create an action plan and find specific resources to support that teacher. Pairing teachers with colleagues, as you would students in the classroom based on strengths, builds confidence and teamwork as they work together and own their colleagues’ successes.

You were recently honored at the Women in Education recognition ceremony, hosted by State Senator James Sanders! Can you share what this recognition means to you?

I was very honored to receive this recognition, but it’s also meaningful to me that my former student nominated me. I worked closely with her and her family when I was an assistant principal in Far Rockaway. The children’s father had passed away and they struggled at times financially, emotionally, and socially. The support that I provided ranged from a daily check-in and networking with community organizations to get food or clothing donated, to establishing relationships with the children so they knew my office was a safe space. I had not seen them in a few years and could never forget about them, they not only remembered me, but took the steps needed to nominate me for this award. Truly, it’s the relationships that I love to build with my students and their families that will always be the most meaningful recognition to me. The award now hangs in my office as a reminder of why, as educators, we do what we do. It’s the best job in the world!

Can you explain how social and emotional learning impact student success?

It is only when we address the social and emotional needs of our students that true learning can take place as we learn best when we feel safe, loved, and cared for. It’s our responsibility as educators to prepare our students for college and career. Social and emotional learning teaches children how to persevere when faced with major obstacles, how to communicate effectively, and how to regulate their emotions when feeling overwhelmed; all of which are imperative skills to master in school and in life alike.

How do you plan to support and empower teachers in your new role as principal?

My leadership style is like coaching. Through conversations with teachers, regular classroom visits, and ongoing data collection, we can accurately determine the areas where our teachers may need additional support and then work closely with them to ensure they receive that assistance. However, we also use their strengths to empower them and their colleagues as well. There is so much talent within our school buildings that we can leverage it by having our teaching staff continuously explore innovative best practices and their personal interests, which can lead to improved student outcomes.

What do you feel are the critical issues facing educators today and how can teachers prepare to meet the challenges?

We are faced with issues that simply didn’t exist just a decade ago. While still dealing with the remaining effects of the COVID pandemic such as months of isolation that left many school-aged children with a lack of developed social skills, many educators are focusing on closing this achievement gap. That is why the need for social and emotional learning is paramount. We have seen so many of our students struggling to socialize, communicate, and simply build relationships. A teacher needs to teach those skills at the same time as they teach reading, writing and math or student success is impossible.

What do you enjoy most about working in education, and what keeps you motivated to remain in the field?

There is nothing that I enjoy more than figuring out how to make my students become the best version of themselves. As educators, we have the power to change the course of a child's life. Every day, I remind myself that these beautiful faces I see in the hallways have the potential to change the world and that is my motivation.