2019 Teacher of the Year knows all the angles of education.

Vital Stats

• Geometry teacher at Tavares High School.
• Taught math at Mount Dora Middle School.
• Born in Canandaigua, New York.
• Earned health education degree, Cortland State University; master’s in science education, Florida State University.

Why did you want to become a teacher?
I really wanted to work with kids and make a difference in their lives. I was inspired by many of my teachers growing up who had a positive impact on me.

How did it feel to win Lake County Teacher of the Year in February when you were at Mount Dora Middle School?
It was incredible. I was so grateful to have been chosen after spending my adult life in the classroom.

Are there differences between teaching middle and high school students?
High school kids may be older, but they still like to get enthusiastic over great lessons. I think they get a kick out of how much I love teaching math and especially how much I love teaching them.

Do you think school today is easier or more difficult than when you went to school?
Hard to say. In some ways, the kids today have it easy with computers and all of the other technology. On the other hand, they have so much to deal with because of terrorism, mass shootings and even social media.

Three words to describe yourself:
Caring, learner, mother.

Favorite movie about teaching:
“Freedom Writers.”

Extracurricular activities:
Spending time with my kids, grandkids and traveling with my husband.

Biggest pet peeve:
When students say, “I wasn’t here yesterday. Did we do anything, and do I have to make it up?”