I graduated from Misericordia University in 2010 and have certifications in Secondary Citizenship (History), Mid-Level English Language Arts, and Mid-Level Science, along with a master’s in special education.

What got me into teaching:

I have been lucky to have great parents and inspiring teachers and mentors in my life. I always enjoyed helping people and helping kids learn. My high school volleyball coach, Joe Czopek, instilled the passion to help others and work hard to achieve goals. My mom, Dr. Susan Tomascik was a professor at Misericordia and pushed me to go into education. I have always been encouraged by my lifelong art instructor and mentor, Sue Hand. Seeing her impact on her students and community inspired me as well.

Style:

As far as style, I don’t do anything fancy. I keep in mind that I teach11- and 12-year-olds so, for me, being able to relate to them in some way or connect over a shared interest can sometimes make the difference. I tend to use humor too, which I find also helps keep them engaged in class. Working hard and earning what you want is also a big belief of mine that I try to impress upon them. I notice that they are willing to go the extra mile when you when you make learning enjoyable for them. They know my goal is to make them smile while they’re here. So, with that, along with respecting one another, we create a positive environment they want to be in. I tell them we only get 182 days together, so let’s do our best to enjoy each one.

What/Where I currently teach:

6^th Grade English at Wyoming Valley West Middle School

We read nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and drama. We review grammar lessons and work on writing skills. In my class we cover stories from real-life historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Harriet Tubman to fairy tales to classic fiction characters like Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.