What brought you to Nova?
I came to Nova after teaching in a much more traditional high school in Brooklyn, NY. I hoped to find a community of people who wanted to think deeply about teaching and learning, and who wanted to dedicate themselves to the project of education. I'm happy to say I've found that here at Nova.
How would you describe your teaching style?
I am always trying to adapt to meet the needs of the students in front of me. I want to help my students use their talents and the things they are passionate about to better understand and contribute to the world around them.
Why do you teach? and/or What do you hope to influence?
I teach because it's the most rewarding job in the world - students are endlessly creative and funny, and constantly challenge me to see things in a new way. I'm lucky to do this job, and I'm especially lucky to work in a school that challenges teachers to learn as much as students.
What's your favorite thing about Nova?
Nova is the most humane community I've ever been a part of. Students and staff alike are truly seen and valued as individuals. The coordinating system allows students and staff to build strong, trusting relationships that are really important for growth, and students are empowered to build a high school experience that works for them. Sorry, was that more than one favorite thing?
I love exploring new ways to think about math, especially when the journey begins with a student question.
When I first discovered Nova High School, I was drawn to it immediately. Walking into the building, I instantly felt a sense of coming home. I saw a school where students are safe being their true selves, and exploring topics at much deeper levels.
I am a teacher because I adore the subject of mathematics and the beauty through which the subject describes patterns of the universe. I hope to help students release the fear that is so often connected with learning experience. I also hope that through a shared passion and excitement, I can encourage students to explore thinking from a mathematical lens.
I've also been very excited working with the Competency Development at Nova. I am so glad to work with a staff who so clearly wants the best for students and is able to effectively work with one another to continue enhancing their teaching practice.
Education: Seattle Pacific University - BA in Mathematics and BA in Secondary Education
Antioch New England - MEd in Problem Based Learning
I am an experienced public school math teacher. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics/Black History and a Master’s Degree in special education. I relocated to Seattle from New York City in 2016.
I have experienced, first-hand, how the power of education can break the cycle of poverty.
After two decades of a career in banking, real estate and title insurance, I returned to university to fulfill my desire to become a mathematics teacher. I will teach my students to learn how to learn.
I work with students in classes like "Life on Earth", "Environmental Justice", and "Earthology", as well as committees like "Planet Nova", to explore how the Earth lives and how best to work for justice.
What brought you to Nova?
A small, personalized, democratically-run, justice-focused learning community committed to the growth and success of all students in which I could work collaboratively with both staff and students -- how could I resist?
How would you describe your teaching style?
My courses start with big, relevant questions that drive our shared inquiry both within and outside the classroom. I work to center students in their own learning process while de-centering dominant narratives of race, gender, sexuality, class, ability, and other power inequalities. Students demonstrate their learning through multiple possible pathways, including projects, writing, classroom discussions, and other performance-based assessment. And I try to make sure our learning experience is engaging, meaningful, and compelling -- there's so much for us all to learn and do!
Why do you teach? And/or what do you hope to influence?
Our world is dominated by unjust systems of power and exploitation that must be confronted, deconstructed, and replaced -- if not, people and communities will continue to face violence and oppression while our society fails to live up to its potential. As a teacher, I have the opportunity to participate in the process of helping to create a more equitable, just, and life-affirming world.
What’s your favorite thing about Nova?
At Nova, I actually can work with students and adults to change how we teach and learn, and how we can live in this world. We share a commitment to justice that pushes and supports my own work while providing our students with an unparalleled education. We aren't perfect, but we always demand to do better. I love Nova!
