Passionate Educator
Dedicated and student-focused educator committed to creating engaging and supportive learning environments. Skilled in designing lesson plans that capture students' diverse interests and foster imagination. Collaborative, hardworking, and committed to supporting the school's mission and community.
When I started teaching in 2008, it was meant to be a temporary role until the housing market recovered, allowing me to return to architecture. Sixteen years later, I’m more passionate about teaching than ever. This journey taught me that with an open mind and adventurous spirit, unexpected opportunities can become lifelong passions.
Throughout my career, I've taught a variety of subjects, beginning with middle school science, where I quickly embraced hands-on, problem-based learning. I replaced lectures with investigations, transforming my classroom into a lab environment that saw student scores soar. In my third year, a chance encounter with robotics sparked a new passion. I wrote a successful grant to the Bill Gates Foundation, securing over $30,000 to start a robotics program at my school. This moment marked my shift from science to STEM education.
Over the next three years, I established district-wide robotics competitions, making these opportunities accessible to underfunded schools. By the third year, over 30 schools and 500 students were participating. My dedication was recognized in my sixth year when I received the Teacher of the Year award.
My career then took an international turn when I accepted a teaching position at Magen David Academy in Panama. Over four years, I developed a comprehensive STEM curriculum and an after-school program that engaged over 20% of secondary students. Our robotics team grew to compete on a national level.
While in Panama, I was invited to join Colegio Maya in Guatemala, where I was tasked with building a STEM program and launching a new Innovation Hub. Five years later, my work at Maya has been a rewarding chapter, filled with exciting achievements. This portfolio is primarily dedicated to the great work I have been able to achieve during my time here. I hope you enjoy exploring the incredible initiatives we’ve accomplished here.