is a big sister, poet, graphic designer, and aspiring secondary educator.
She is a member of the 2025 Master of Arts in Teaching (in Secondary English) cohort at Duke University, where she is also a Durham Teaching Fellow.
A 2023 graduate from NC State’s graphic design and English CRW programs, she is interested in the dance between language and visuals, and how language and design can (and must!) inform one another.
She particularly enjoys layout and publication design, information architecture, quiltmaking and other fiber crafts, frogs, southern literature, media analysis, Appalachia, and café beverages of all kinds.
She is a Virgo sun, Libra moon, and Aquarius rising.
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Philosophy of Teaching
Philosophy of Caring
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CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE TEACHING
MODULE 02
CULTURALLY RELEVANT TEACHING
Culturally relevant teaching begins with understanding the myriad ways students show up to school. It is common and easy to consider culturally responsive pedagogies only within the context of race—however, in order to be truly culturally responsive, it’s crucial that educators are able to recognize and respect the many different homeplaces our students have. Thus, it expands from race into ethnicity, class, gender, age, and so forth. According to bell hooks, the most effective classrooms are those where “our interest in one another, in hearing one another’s voices, in recognizing one another’s presence” is paramount. This perspective emphasizes that embracing and respecting differences enriches the learning environment, enabling both students and educators to grow together. By valuing diverse perspectives and acknowledging the multifaceted identities students bring to the classroom, I aim to foster an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels seen and heard.
COMMITTING TO SOCIAL JUSTICEAs an educator, my role extends beyond merely imparting knowledge; it includes actively working towards creating an equitable and inclusive space for all students. This commitment involves providing opportunities for students to share their personal experiences and perspectives in a safe environment, while also actively challenging and overcoming my own biases and assumptions. By engaging in ongoing self-reflection and professional development, I strive to ensure that my teaching practices are just and supportive of every student’s needs. My dedication to social justice in education is about advocating for all students and striving to create an environment where each student has the opportunity to succeed and feel valued.
additional resources — cultural responsiveness
Appalachian Elegy – Author bell hooks reflects on her personal experiences growing up in Appalachia, critiquing stereotypes and social inequalities while emphasizing the importance of understanding and valuing the region’s cultural heritage and addressing systemic issues
Implicit Bias Test – what are your blind spots?
The Queer Ed Podcast
– consideration of queer influences in education