Where are you from and where did you go to school?

I was born in Richmond, Virginia, where I lived until moving to Maryland in 2005. I am the oldest of four children. My sister is also a teacher, of high-school French.  I graduated from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, with a B.A. in early childhood psychology. I started graduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond following graduation. After accepting a job with DCPS in July of 2005, I transferred to Trinity University here in DC and earned a master of arts in teaching in elementary education.

When did you come to Murch and in what capacity?

I interviewed at Murch in June of 2008 and, before I even reached home, I was offered the position as a sixth-grade earth science teacher. As sixth grade moved to the middle school setting, I chose to take my current pre-kindergarten position at Murch.

Did you always want to be a teacher?

I have always had very interesting jobs: X-Ray technician and orthodontic assistant, lifeguard, sports coordinator for summer programs at the YMCA in Richmond, roller coaster operator for the Hurler at King's Dominion, and tutor.....just to name a few.  I have never had another "career"; those jobs all lead to my profession in education. I always wanted a profession where I was able to help and teach. I vacillated between being a nurse, lawyer, or teacher. It was a hard decision, but my passion for teaching outweighed everything. I love the innocence of children, and I love seeing their face light up when a new concept is grasped. Teaching is a gift that I am blessed to have.

What has been your greatest challenge as a teacher?

Undoubtedly, teaching sixth grade. It was difficult for me to adjust to a classroom management style that was conducive to that of the middle school-aged child. It was also challenging to create lessons that were new, innovative, and fun because the kids had seen and heard everything before. After researching, reading, and consulting other colleagues, I made it through without a scratch and lived to tell the tale! The year made me a stronger teacher.

What would you say is your most memorable classroom moment?

I also previously taught fourth grade. At that time, I had two students who did not know how to read. They could barely make the sounds of the letters of the alphabet. After working with them intensively for about two months, one student was able to read a short Basal Reader story to me without my help. That will stick with me for a lifetime.

What is your secret weapon in the classroom?

I have a puppet in my classroom, Ms. Blue. She can get the students to do anything! The students love to have her read stories, give directions, or join them in a game or in completing a puzzle. This puppet has helped me relate to the students on a different level and also serves as a behavior management tool. I decided to have the puppet become part of the classroom after attending a workshop. I will have Ms. Blue as a part of my class from now on.

Anything else?  

I am somewhat of a comedian. During family gatherings, I am the life of the party. My friends look forward to my giving them comic relief at any function. I have an enthusiasm about life that is contagious. I used to be a ballet dancer from the age of 4 until I left for college. I am a great swimmer and was a lifeguard in high school. I am a neat freak. Mrs. Coleman gets frustrated with my cleaning and straightening up throughout the school day. I have been told that my leadership ability is fantastic, especially under pressure. I have been a musician since the age of 9. In elementary and middle school, I played alto saxophone in the concert band. In high school, I was section leader of alto saxes in the marching and concert bands. I also play flute, clarinet, xylophone, wind chimes, and timpani. I was also a majorette and cheerleader in high school.

Wow. So how do you choose what to do in your free time?

A childhood friend and I are taking a stab at event planning.  She is a freelance writer for the Richmond Times Dispatch with an event planning column, "Taya's Take," where I serve as her editor for columns before she turns them in for publication. We are trying to juggle the heavy load of event planning along with our current careers. Our first wedding is coming up in April. I am very excited!  Then, I have so many hobbies that include knitting (I learned how to knit in Murch's knitting club by Ms. George), cross-stitching, reading (I am dying to have an Amazon Kindle), swimming, visiting museums, and SHOPPING --I love shoes and handbags!  When not at Murch, I spend a lot of time with my family. They still live in Richmond and we usually meet in Fredericksburg to eat, bowl, shop, or catch a good movie. I also enjoy spending quality time with my Shih Tzu, Brandy. She is the best ever. We enjoy long walks in the park, visiting doggie parks, and belly rubs.

What enhancements/curriculum would you like to see at Murch?

I would like to see a more concrete curriculum for Pre-Kindergarten. I would also like to see Murch crank it up a notch with technology!

Finally, how would you finish this sentence: "If I weren't a teacher, I'd be a...."

...child psychologist.