How long have you been teaching?
I just started year 13 – 12 full years. I started my first 2 years in Oaks, ND, and then 2 years at Aberdeen Central, and then 2 years at Milbank-Wilmont, and then for the last 6, all at Milbank.

What made you decide to go into teaching?
I have never considered another career. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. My past teachers had the most influence on why I wanted to teach.

Was there any one teacher in particular?
My math teacher, Mr. Bloom, was my advanced math teacher in HS. He was the kind of teacher who never missed any of our activities. He went everywhere with us. You knew he cared about us.

What’s the best part of teaching?
The kids – laughing with them. I find it crazy how witty and quick-witted they are. They are so interesting – I love hearing how they tell stories, how they see the world. Getting to know them is the best part.

What’s the most challenging part of teaching?
I teach upper level math. Sometimes it’s hard to get kids to believe in themselves -- to take the risk on themselves to take a challenging course, even when it will require a lot of them.

If you could go back in time and give yourself some advice at the start of your career, what would that advice be?
I would tell myself to take more time to get to know my students. When I started teaching, I was all about the content. I just needed to take a step back. The content won’t happen if there aren’t relationships first. They need to buy into the content, and they’re more likely to do that if you buy into them.

How do you do that – build relationships?
It comes a little more naturally now that I’m aware of it. Taking the time to have conversations with them, asking about their weekend, go to their activities, and things like that.

Do you have any, “it’s weird but it works” teaching strategies?
I am 5 feet tall – very short. My students like to make jokes about that. Outsiders might think they’re making fun of me, but if you just relax and let it happen, it can build the relationship. If we’re joking about my height, it’s all in good fun. An outsider might think it’s rude, but if we laugh about it – then we can banter. Laughing with them is good for all of us.

What’s one thing about teaching that people (non-teachers) don’t seem to know about teaching?
I talk to my students a lot about service, about finding a career where they can serve others. I’m grateful I can serve. I know there’s a teaching shortage. I want people to know that there are still teachers who love coming to work every day. It’s so rewarding.