I see the world through is identity and relationships. When I reflect on my identity as a student, I see the impact the adults in my life had on how I viewed myself. When my teachers believed in me, I looked forward to their class and worked hard to learn. When I didn’t think my teachers believed in me, I dreaded class, procrastinated, and the content just didn’t connect. I am thankful that enough teachers believed in me that I learned to believe in myself and grew into the math educator and leader I am today. Although I taught from Grade 8 through Trigonometry, I was consistently assigned students with little confidence in mathematics and themselves. I was driven to figure out what barrier was preventing them from recognizing their greatness. Today, teachers are equipped with the work of Dweck and Boaler, as well as the masses of work founded upon their research. With this, I hope today’s educators are not repeating the mistakes I made in my efforts. My vision is an educational system that is designed to positively impact students, as valuable human beings and as learners, and prepare them for the future they desire. The system I envision would support educators’ professional efficacy, promote equity and diversity in the field of mathematics, and honor educators as the sculptors of our future society and economy.

I was introduced to professional organizations in college by education professors who encouraged us to stay current on research and best practices throughout our careers. As a classroom teacher, I was blessed to be part of a passionate and collaborative math team. We attended state conferences together and applied what we learned to create fun, hands-on math experiences for our students. I continued exploring and sharing the creative side of mathematics when I transitioned into a new role as a regional math specialist. Since professional organizations supported me so well as a teacher, I did not hesitate to get involved with NCSM and our state affiliate. Being exposed to so many great leaders, I began to notice their behaviors and what they did that inspired me. They actively sought out potential leaders to encourage, inspire, and equip. I seek to pay it forward.

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