Why did you choose the field of education as a career?
I started my professional life in the business world, but when I began volunteering in schools as a mentor and literacy coach everything in my life changed. I chose the field of education because I was passionate about using my energy and talents to make a positive difference in the lives of young people. I went back to graduate school, jumped into the classroom, and never looked back. In the last 16 years, I have taught over 2,000 students in grades 7-12. Every single one has left an imprint on my heart. My students simply amaze me with their courage, perseverance, creativity, intelligence, and humor, and it is for them that I teach and continue to learn each day.

Choose three words to describe your educational philosophy that guides you as an educator.
Three words that describe my educational philosophy and guide me as an educator are growth, relationships, and engagement. My focus is always on continuous learning and growth--substantive, enduring changes in students’ thinking and the ways in which they relate to their world. For them to be ready to embark on that kind of transformational journey, strong personal relationships grounded in trust are the foundation. Finally, in every lesson or learning experience I design, I strive to engage students by connecting to their experiences, piquing their curiosity, and igniting a passion for our studies. Only when all three of these are working together can students achieve their personal best.

The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Success School is proud to announce the recipients of the 20th Annual Educator of the Year Awards.
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For two decades now, Chamber’s Success School has championed excellence in education with the annual awards ceremony, which recognizes the best teachers and programs in accredited schools across Monroe County. This year eight educators, one educational program, and one lifetime achievement recipient will be honored in a community celebration at the 20th Annual Educator of the Year Awards to be held on the evening of Thursday, March 4th, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Unlike the first 19 ceremonies, this year awards will be presented in an online ceremony via Zoom. The program will still feature student led entertain with a performance from the Edgewood High School Choir. Presenting sponsors, Cook Group and Solution Tree, will also join the Chamber in presenting our honorees with their awards.

Awardees are selected from a pool of nominees from across Monroe County by a committee composed of leaders from the public sector, business community, and education. The awardees for 2021 are as follows.