My passion for teaching started in my first job as water safety instructor and lifeguard at the public pools of Newington, Conn. Working at the pool, I found that I enjoyed teaching children swimming much more than working on my tan in the lifeguard chair. During those summers, I taught so many classes that by mid-July I could hardly talk because my voice was so hoarse from teaching so many classes.

When I stared college at the University of Connecticut, I chose to pursue my fascination with science and declared my major in biology with an emphasis on molecular genetics. While at the university, I soon realized that I missed teaching children and decided to apply to the school of education. I wanted to combine my two great interests: biology and education. When I graduated in December of 1989, there was a glut of teachers in Connecticut due to recent legislation that increased teacher pay. As I looked for a full-time position, I worked as a substitute teacher in the city of Hartford and surrounding towns. Although I learned a great deal about teaching and found working in some of the inner city schools incredibly interesting and rewarding, I was ready for my own classroom.

In the fall of 1991, on a whim, I applied for a position to teach science at Marshwood High School in School Administrative District 35. I was hired in January and began teaching in the first week of February. Although I had no place to live in Maine and had only been to Maine two times before, I moved to Kittery, and I began my career in education. It was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I love living in the state of Maine!

After several years teaching science at Marshwood, I began taking classes in educational leadership at the University of Southern Maine. Although I very much enjoyed teaching my science classes, the more I learned about educational administration, the more I began to consider a career change. To me the idea of making an entire school better for students and teachers seemed like a great way to make a difference.

In 1997, I began work in educational administration at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School as an assistant principal. I was finishing my master’s degree at USM and learning a great deal on the job. My action research project involved looking at the positive impacts that teaming can have for high school students. When we piloted the freshmen teaming at Oxford Hills, we saw incredible gains in student achievement. I knew then that I was in the right career. When I moved to Falmouth High School to be closer to home (Portland), I was again involved in freshmen teaming.

Although I have enjoyed my professional journey, I am looking forward to working at Wescott Junior High School for many years to come. The community of Westbrook has been incredibly welcoming and the students and teachers at Wescott are wonderful. As I am not one to stay behind my desk with the door closed, I have already had a chance to meet most of our students and have spent time in every classroom in the school. Wescott Junior High School is a great school and is getting better. With the resources provided through our Comprehensive School Reform Grant as well as the desperately needed pending school construction project, I believe this is a great time to be leading the changes that will make Wescott Junior High School a great school for years to come.

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