Highline Staff and Board
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How long have you been teaching?
Five years.
What makes HA special to you?
There are many reasons that make Highline Academy special. I’m lucky to work in an environment that is full of learners – not only are the students learning from their teachers, but the teachers are learning from their students. In addition, the collegiality amongst the staff members furthers the learning process throughout the community. Another reason that makes Highline special is being able to witness this institution grow and evolve. I’m fortunate to be a founding teacher and be a part Highline Academy’s journey.
Teaching Philosophy
“We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us” -Marcel Proust
This quote illustrates my current teaching philosophy because it reminds us that everyone needs to discover and make meaning of their own learning. It is amazing to witness and see the “aha” moments when students create their learning and unravel their own knowledge. I also believe that learning (and teaching) is a journey; there is no endpoint and every child, lesson, experience, etc. helps shape and mold the one that follows. My job as an educator is to facilitate learning in a safe and equitable environment, and then to reflect on the entire process to ensure that everyone is learning and is successful.
Favorite Student Story
here are many teaching stories I hold near and dear to my heart – some funny, some gross, and some not meant to be repeated (at least not on the Internet). After graduating college, I decided to spend a year as a full-time sub where I thought I’d be able to explore all grade levels and see which one I liked best. Well, I got a chance to explore and figure out which one I liked least: high school. I subbed several times in this particular high school (it was actually the one I graduated from), and one day I walked into a rowdy classroom full of students taller than me. A few students approached me and asked me if I was the new student. After telling them I was their sub, they insisted that I was a new student and I had to “prove” the fact that I was their teacher. I pulled out my “guest visitor” badge and not only did they believe me, but they sat in their seats and actually followed the directions.
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