Give us 2-3 sentences on why your peers honored you with the Beginning Teacher of the Year? What does this mean to you? |
“When I looked at the list of teachers who had completed their first year, I saw so many teachers that I know have done wonderful things and created strong relationships with students. To be chosen out of those teachers was a true honor. I appreciate being recognized by my colleagues for doing a good job amid the challenges of my first year.”
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What would the students who were in your class when you first started teaching say about this honor? |
“Honestly, I have no idea. I think they learned alongside me. I would often tell them they were my guinea pigs. I am very grateful for their flexibility as I continued to figure out best practices.”
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What college(s) did you attend? |
“I went to the University of North Carolina Wilmington.”
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What made you choose this college? |
“I wanted a campus that felt like how I imagined college to be. I loved that it was a closed campus, so it really felt like its own town. Plus, being 15 minutes away from the beach was a major plus.”
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What was your first job as a teenager? Where did you work? Duties? |
“My first job was a lifeguard at the Westlake Pool. I worked each shift with a partner, so we switched from being in the chair and manning the concessions. I think it was $10 an hour.”
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What job/career did you think you would have before you went to college? |
“I have always wanted to be a teacher. I had other ideas growing up, as all kids do, but I always came back to being a teacher.”
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Think back about your favorite teacher. Who was it? List a few qualities or attributes they have. |
“I had so many, but the most notable from high school was Mr. Murchison. He was so real, and when you’re 16-17, that is all you are seeking out. He made connections, and since our class was so small, we celebrated our birthdays. He would give me book recommendations, and I still keep in contact with him today.”
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How many times did you change schools? |
“I moved to six new schools before I graduated high school. I understand the feeling of being the new kid. I think being understanding and patient because it takes time to feel adjusted not only to a new school but a new town.”
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How do you show “Cav Pride”? |
“I try to dress up for all the spirit days. I think if students see their teachers do it and be okay with being silly, then they will too. ”
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Why did you want to start a D&D club? |
“It was started last year by a student in my 4th block. Another teacher hosted it, and she is no longer able, so I was asked to host. I’m glad to host a space for students to express themselves or try new things.”
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What song do you hear that puts you back in your Senior year of high school? What year was that? |
“Anything by Kodak Black. I graduated in 2019.”
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What SLHS staff member (other than a science teacher) would you want for your lab partner? |
“Ms. Walden”
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Tell us about your pets. |
I have three cats that live at home with me, Magnus (10), Milly (3), and Kimi Antonelli (1). I have found all three of them outside thanks to the kitty distribution system. NOTE: Congrats to the real F1 driver Kimi Antonelli who at age 20 won the F1 Italian GP at Monza on Sept 6, 2026. I also have 5 Nigerian dwarf goats that live at the farm outside my house. (JJ, Franklin, George, Henry, Thomas). They are mostly named after fictional characters. ”
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Tell us about your family. |
”I am unmarried, but I have been with my partner for 6 years.”
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Other than the Cavaliers, who do you cheer for? |
“NFL: Dallas Cowboys
College: USC Gamecocks and UNC Tarheels”
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What are your must have apps? |
“Amazon and Kindle”
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What are 3 things you would take on a desert island? |
“Sunscreen, flint and steel, and a water purifier”
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What song do you know all the lyrics to? |
“Kiwi by Harry Styles”
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If you were a superhero, what would you be? Imaginary or real |
“Iron Man”
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What actor/actress would play you in a movie? |
“My family would say Zendaya.”
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What fictional character do you identify with most? |
“Hermione Granger”
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If you had $5,000 to give to a charity, where would you send the money? |
“Haven in Lee County” Learn more about Haven at https://havenlee.org/
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What’s the most expensive mistake you’ve ever made? |
“A study abroad in Paris”
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What advice would you give a parent who has a freshman? |
“Stress the importance of time management and help them find a good system to stay organized, whether it's a binder, planner, or calendar. ”
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How did you approach learning and studying with your worst subject in high school or college? What was that subject? |
“I did poorly in Econ during college. I couldn’t grasp the content the way the professor taught it. I would do mini study sessions with my roommate who was also in the class. If I got a topic, I would “teach” it to her and vice versa. ”
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What’s something special you do for your mental health? Relax and unwind? (school appropriate) |
“I like to scrapbook or color, something super simple where I don’t have to think. ”
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What’s the biggest difference between middle school and High School? |
“In middle school, your teachers are more proactive at reminding you about assignments. In high school, students have to stay on top of their assignments. I would say more independence in a lot of ways, which can be overwhelming for some students.”
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What is one misconception people have about working in a high school? |
“That the students are tough to deal with. At the end of the day, they are still kids (despite them growing up and turning 18); they still enjoy simple things and need some additional encouragement.”
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