What is your go-to coffee order?
I love strong black coffee, or coconut milk lattes.
What do you do in the mornings to prepare to go to a school?
I usually am a late-night planner. I like to have my charts made, clothes ironed, and bag packed the night before. In the morning, I usually wake up thinking about the people I get to see that day and the work we’ll do together! I take my coffee and breakfast to go—I like to get to the school early to set up!
What is your favorite part of interaction with teachers in your partner schools?
I love getting to know people from all over the country! When I travel to new schools, I love learning about the local culture and what makes people tick. Lots of times I’ll ask for recommendations of things to do in the area. I’ve gone on hikes in Georgia, seen local art in Santa Fe, and toured light houses and eaten lobster in Maine. I love getting to try new things and then connecting with teachers and kids about it!
What’s your favorite sticky-note color? I like creating sticky note color pallets—a recent favorite has been teal, yellow, and purple.
When do you do your best lesson/staff development planning?
When I’m planning, I first like to gather ideas from books and from conversations with colleagues. Then, I do some of my best planning while traveling—especially on trains! Or late-at-night on my couch.
Favorite office supply/ classroom gadget?Document camera.
What do you do when you’re not staff developing?When I’m not staff developing you can find me hanging out in New York City. I love to go on walks on the parks here, go to yoga, and try new restaurants! My partner and I also love to travel. Our families live far away so we like to visit them, and take time to explore new places together too!
What’s your favorite pen?
Pilot bravo, black.
How do you stay organized?
Anyone who’s worked with me knows I stay organized with the help of others! :)I’m a bit of organized chaos—my staples are my doc cam, my pen bag, my post-notes, and blank paper. I organize charts I make in file folders, and then document everything by scanning and taking photos on my iPad. At schools, when running from labsite to labsite, I always seem to leave something behind (phone, backpack, charts, etc.). In these cases, I couldn’t do it without the coaches—they keep me in one piece!
What’s the state of your desk? (organized, messy, etc.)
Organized chaos.
If you were to decorate a classroom, what would it look like?
My classroom would be full of books, live plants, and charts!
What are you learning right now?
In my graduate studies, I’m focused on adult learning and school change. I find it inspiring to study what’s possible and then to work alongside teachers, coaches, and administrators to bring to life strategies, lessons, and plans that move students forward.
What is one of your hidden talents? I’m learning to play the guitar! It’s not a talent yet…but one day I hope it will be!
-What makes a “good day” at a school?
A good day at school is a day full of connection, learning, and impact.
