During my 23 years teaching at Woodside I have most enjoyed working with freshman. I like the challenge inherent in welcoming and guiding ninth graders through their first year of high school as well as the reward of assisting in their exponential growth. Whether in on of my Biology, AIS, Algebra I or AVID I classes, the curiosity, enthusiasm and potential my freshman students bring with them every day remain the magnets that keep me attracted to teaching.
I have also been fortunate to work closely with many colleagues during my tenure, and it is from these relationships that I have experienced my greatest professional growth. My first team experience was with an inter-disciplinary group that created and sustained the Freshman Houses Program for many years. During that time, I also worked with an intra-district team to develop our district’s original Advanced Integrated Science course. Following that, I partnered with colleagues in the Students Offering Support Program to continue focusing on ninth graders through the Freshman Transition Program. For the past four years, I have teamed with AVID teachers to help hundreds of students get ready for college.
Being a TIPS advisor combines my two favorite aspects of teaching. I am thrilled to be working with “freshman” teachers who bring much excitement, creative ideas and fresh perspective to their new careers.