Upper School Biology Teacher
The Westminster Schools, Atlanta, Georgia

Member Since: 2005

NABT Activities:

• OBTA Director for Georgia (2008 - 2015)
• Presenter, NABT Professional Development Conference (2007, 2008)
• Region VI Coordinator (2022 - 2024)

Additional Leadership Experience:

• Science Department Chair, Marist School (2007 - 2015)
• Director of Diversity, Marist School (2011 - 2015)
• Reader & Table Leader, AP Biology Exam (2003 - Present)
• President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tau Epsilon Omega Chapter (2018 - 2021)
• President, The Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. (2018 - 2021)
• Board of Directors, The Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. (2022-2023)

Honors & Additional Activities:

• Yeshiva Atlanta STAR Teacher, 2005
• OBTA Winner, Georgia, 2007
• Loveday Foundation Summer Study Grant, 2008
• Frontiers in Physiology Professional Development Fellowship, 2009-2010
• President of the Region Award Second Place, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority South Atlantic Region, 2020, 2022
• O. Wayne Rollins Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, The Westminster Schools, 2021

Personal Statement:

My career in education has spanned the last 20 years. Over the course of my career, I have served as department chair and director of diversity, coached volleyball, coordinated graduations, and served as class council advisor. Currently, at Westminster, I currently serve as faculty advisor for the HOSA Club and the Student Discipline Council. I formally served as the advisor of the Pre-Med and START (Science to Action Road Trips) Clubs, as well as an Independent Study mentor. Through these experiences, I have worked with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators in a variety of contexts to ensure the academic and extracurricular success of the students with whom I was working.

Beyond my academic career, I am involved in civic organizations where I have served in the highest levels of leadership. I have experience planning and promoting events, as well as coordinating with key stakeholders to accomplish goals. I am fluent in understanding and interpreting bylaws, as well as in parliamentary procedure (I have taken and passed the NAP exam and have given several presentations on proper use of parliamentary procedure). As a former OBTA Director for Georgia, and current Region VI Coordinator, I understand the importance of NABT for all Biology teachers and the role of NABT in professional development. Through my work as a College Board workshop presenter, and having worked at the company full time, I had a major role in the update of the Course and Exam Descriptions and professional development workshops for Biology, Environmental Science and Psychology. My skill set, experience, and connections in the biology community make me a good fit for the position Director-Coordinator on the NABT Board of Directors. I understand the responsibility required of the position and embrace the opportunity to serve in the role.

Science Content Lead, ESL Biology & Biology Teacher 
Digital Harbor High School, Baltimore, MD

Member Since: 2014

NABT Activities:

• Region II Coordinator (2022 - 2024)
• Interviewed Keynote Speaker Ayana Johnson, NABT Virtual Professional Development Conference, (2020)
• BCSC/NABT Biology Leadership Academy (2013, 2014)

Additional Leadership Experience

• Chesapeake Bay Foundation Teacher Environmental Literacy Leader (2018 - Present)
• Local Arrangements Committee, NSTA Baltimore Conference (2017)
• MELP- Maryland Environmental Literacy Partnership with Chesapeake Bay Foundation (2013)
• Science Department, School and District Science Staff Developer (2010 - Present)
• BCPSS Teacher Mentor, The New Teacher Project (2010 - Present)
• Talking Points Administrator, Digital Harbor High School

Honors & Additional Activities

• Recipient of the M&T and Baltimore Ravens Touchdown for Teachers Award, 2018
• Featured in Baltimore Magazine Cameo article, 2019
• Co-Chair, Baltimore Inspiring Connections Outdoors (1999 – Present)
• Board Member, Wild Kids Foundation and Wild Kid Acres, LLC (2020 - Present)
• Maryland Green School Certification Digital Harbor High School (2016 – Present)
• Outdoor Learning Network Initiative pilot teacher for Stream Study MWEE (Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience)

Personal Statement:

Why do I think I am a good fit for regional coordinator you might ask? It is exactly because of my background experience that I think I would be a good fit. Most everything I have learned about Biology, I have learned from taking classes or professional development opportunities from outdoor organizations such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

I was not a Biology major in college nor was I a very good biology student in high school. Despite this lack of content background, I have been an advocate for myself and others in teaching and learning the biological sciences. I have literally learned by doing- reading books such as STIFF, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, and others that I have brought into my instruction. I have spent the past 20+ years of my career learning and sharing everything I can with others in order to better the learning experience of BCPSS students. I write curriculum for my district, and make connections for others in the district from the connections I have made at NSTA and especially NABT. I also created a Facebook group called Baltimore City Science in order to share information with teachers related to their content areas and opportunities.