Upper School Science Teacher
Know Your Pelicans
What are your impressions of Packer so far? Our students? Your colleagues?
I absolutely love the environment and community at Packer! All of my colleagues are friendly and so incredibly supportive, and I feel lucky to be here.
What do you teach? What is one of your favorite parts of the curriculum?
I teach mostly 9th grade physics, as well as 11th grade biology. I've only ever taught physics before, and my favorite part of the curriculum are the labs and "board meetings" we do to start every unit. Since this is my first time teaching bio, I really enjoy that I am learning alongside my students sometimes—none of us are afraid to ask questions!
Why do you teach? What do you like about being a teacher?
I teach because I love connecting with students. I enjoy coaching them to become better scientific thinkers, helping them achieve the goals they set for themselves, and if I'm lucky, playing a role in discovering or developing their passion.
Outside of your job at Packer, what do you love to do?
I'm a voracious reader! Especially when it comes to science fiction and mystery. (Please don't hesitate to ask me for recommendations!) I also do a type of embroidery called cross-stitching which helps me decompress at the end of the day.
What's one thing most people at Packer would not know about you?
I solved "Cain's Jawbone" in 2022! "Cain's Jawbone" is a murder mystery puzzle novel that was published in 1934 and went viral on BookTok during the pandemic. Only three people had solved the puzzle prior to 2022! I'm excited to start the "sequel" that is being released later this year.
Besides your subject, what's something you hope to teach your students?
I hope that I can teach them to show themselves grace and compassion when they are struggling, and that they are not alone in whatever they might be going through.