Current career/job:
Seventh-grade teacher at Mann Middle School
Describe the path you took from high school graduation to where you are today:
I graduated from Clover Park High School (CPHS) with two years of college under my belt thanks to Running Start. I knew I wanted to be a teacher but I still wanted to "ease in" to the college life. Instead of jumping right in to the School of Education, I took a year at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) to take some of the prerequisite courses they normally require of freshman. In taking those classes, I solidified a love for history and culture (a love that was sparked by Mr. Kevin Rupprecht, my ninth- and 10th-grade humanities teacher) and decided to make that my teaching path. I majored in education with an emphasis in history. During my student teaching experience, I must have made an impression; I got a call that summer asking if I'd take a job at Stewart Middle School. I spent four years there becoming the teacher I am today before moving to the Clover Park School District to be at Mann.
How did your experiences in Clover Park School District help prepare you for this path?
I had incredible teachers throughout my time in Clover Park. I think back to Connie Shines and John Nystrom in eighth-grade and Kevin Rupprecht in ninth- and 10th-grade. These teachers, with their unique class structure and personalities, helped shape me into the teacher that I am. When I think, "who do I want to be in the classroom?" I think of my teachers in CPSD.
Who was the most influential teacher or administrator to you as a student in the district? Why?
I've said his name in every question! Kevin Rupprecht was such an inspiration to me as a teacher and as a student. The way he challenged me to always be better (despite sometimes thinking I was already the most wonderful thing ever) and encouraged deeper thinking of me was admirable. He never let anyone slide in class; he held students accountable for being decent humans and professional students, and I really appreciate that about him.