When students ask me how I became a teacher, my honest response is that I was trying to avoid gym class. Though amusing, I never thought that starting an elementary teaching internship for PE credit would completely shape who I am today. It was then that I found a passion for teaching. Once I realized how impactful the public education system was on my life, and how it gave me the ability to realize my dreams, I knew I wanted to give that opportunity to other children by instilling a lifelong love for learning. Over the course of 11 years, I’ve taught mathematics to hundreds of middle school students. Additionally, after completing Mesquite ISD’s Excellence in Teaching Program as part of their second Cadre in 2017, I was able to serve as an instructor and teach professional development courses to colleagues within my district that positively impacted their teaching. In 2020, I completed my Doctorate of Education from Grand Canyon University where I wrote my dissertation titled Exploring the Influence Teacher Perceptions of Principal Leadership Has on Teacher Retention in Dallas Area Middle Schools. My research gave me a lot of insight and fuels my desire to help good teachers stay in the profession, which is why I became an instructional coach. I am also very proud to be a Lecterer for UT Dallas where I guide and grow aspiring new teachers. My colleagues would describe me as a driven, resourceful individual who maintains a proactive attitude when faced with adversity. I strive to develop and assist teachers find their passion and keep them in the classroom.
