What do you currently do at BCS?
I am a substitute teacher, covering for many classes for Middle and High School, specifically for ELA.
When did you graduate from BCS?
I graduated from BCS High School in 2018!
What made you return to BCS as a substitute teacher at BCS?
I returned to BCS because I did my student teaching in my undergrad with my high school teacher, Dwight, for ELA 11th grade! It gave me experience because it affirmed my goals to become a teacher, specifically for 11th grade. Luckily, I became a substitute teacher within the following school year and gained experience teaching ELA 8th grade here at BCS; I did a full time teaching job as a substitute for Lauren G. who went on maternity leave and happened to be my very own 8th grade teacher! I returned because of experience, support from teachers and staff and because it’s currently helping me during my time in graduate school.
How did going to BCS impact or shape you as a teacher?
It provided me with more understanding for both experiences as a student and teacher. Most of the time, teachers forget students are human and vice versa. BCS gave me insight on connecting with students as a teacher, considering me and my classmates had great connections, conversations and student-teacher relationships with our teachers and almost all of our teachers. I like how the community is really at the forefront of the school, and I love how we’re able to build those relationships and really feel equal.
What do you most enjoy in your role as a teacher?
I love planning lessons and creating my own content; thankfully, Dwight allowed me to incorporate my own lessons and let me really take charge during my student teaching.
Lauren G. left me her entire curriculum in the 2022-23 school year for when I taught my 8th grade class and she let me know that it was okay to modify or implement new things in lessons. I really enjoy getting to try new ways of teaching like creative assignments, lessons that are more engaging and relatable to students. As a substitute teacher, I currently love getting insight from other teachers’ lessons, especially Social Studies since ELA and S.S are like the sister-subjects. I also really enjoy connecting with students through academics and getting to know the kids I’ve taught – In a way, it helps me with classroom management too!
How did BCS prepare you for life after high school?
As I immediately went to college after I graduated BCS, it prepared me specifically for essay writing in college. College is heavy on note taking, papers, and emails. Even resumes!
Who most influenced you when you were going to BCS? How?
There are so many teachers who influenced me at my time as a student, and influenced me in many ways. Sarah, who was my crew teacher, really supported me with growing up and dealing with life, as well as academics. Dwight was another teacher who really influenced me as well; I loved reading and writing for as long as I could remember, and having a teacher who was passionate about ELA and connecting with students made me realize I wanted to become a teacher. (I will also love to mention former teachers from BCS: Scott and Beth because Big History and Environmental Science really encouraged me to understand what’s happening in our world, and it made me build connections with ELA!)
What are two of the fondest memories you have from BCS?
1 – Crew Thanksgivings were the best memories because it really was a time where we came together, everyone brought homemade food and we just had a fun time.
2 – Hamilton! My class was the first ones at BCS to be able to have the opportunity to see Hamilton, and it was incredible. My friend (Ashley) and I won the contest in our history class with an original poem we wrote together about women’s alliance and feminism, which we got to perform on the broadway stage!
What would you advise students to take advantage of or get involved with at BCS? Why?
Academic Tuesdays, especially for those who are building and writing their PBATs. In high school, I really took my time seriously when it came to the PBATs, especially the ones in subjects I struggled with. Speaking with your crew teacher efficiently and reaching out to the subject teacher is the best thing you can do.
What advice would you give to BCS students today?
Don’t put pressure on yourself! Give yourself time to do something that takes care of your mental and physical health before you dive into any academics or side hustles you have. Take care of yourself first. This has always been a practice in my life, especially during my undergraduate years and even now during graduate school. This is going to help you thrive and be more successful when completing assignments, as your energy will be refreshed and a lot of those anxious, negative feelings will dissipate.
