Was this the career field you always saw yourself going into, and why?
Yes and no. Teaching was one of my earliest ‘dream careers.’ As a kid, I loved helping my aunt set up her first-grade classroom and often imagined having a classroom full of colorful materials and elementary students who looked up to me. However, I chose a different path out of high school. I studied business in college, served five years as a musician in the U.S. Navy, and spent time raising my two daughters while my husband’s military career took our family around the world. About twelve years out of high school, all of my interests and experiences led me back to teaching. I went back to college, earned my teaching license, and began a career in secondary math education!
Where did you work before your job here at Salem?
Before working at Salem, I was teaching at Naples Middle High School in Italy. I actually began the 2021-22 school year as a student teacher in the math department, but there weren’t any full-time math positions available when I earned my teaching license mid-year. After winter break, I became a substitute teacher and was immediately asked to fill a long-term vacancy teaching AP Comparative Government and AP US History. It was rewarding to work with so many of the same students I had met during student teaching, but in a completely new context!
What led to your final decision to work here?
My husband is in the Navy, and when he received orders to Virginia Beach, I started looking for teaching positions immediately. As a former musician, I was drawn to Salem because of the Visual & Performing Arts Academy.
What is your favorite part of working here at Salem?
My favorite part of working at Salem is definitely the community. I feel so supported by my colleagues, and I love the creative atmosphere of the student body.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of school?
I love musical theatre! Outside of school, I spend a lot of time volunteering with the Hurrah Players, painting sets, and helping with costumes. This past summer, I constructed the Minotaur and Cerberus masks for their production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. When I’m not supporting local and professional theatre, I love cooking and spending time with my family.
