At WES Since: 2019
What is your philosophy on teaching?
One of the reasons that I am here at WES is our school’s focus on kindness, confidence, and preparation. These three traits will enable a child to thrive both academically and personally. I am proud to be at WES, where we hold these traits up and work towards instilling them in our students every day.
If you could talk to any living person now, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet our First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden. Dr. Biden’s presence in the White House, as both a teacher and First Lady, is an incredible opportunity for all educators, as I believe that she will help to raise up the platform of education and spotlight the incredible work that all educators are doing every day.
Bio:
I grew up in Brooklyn, New York and since then have lived in Philadelphia as well as here in Maryland for the last 20-plus years. I married my high school sweetheart and have two fabulous children. I graduated college with a degree in Art History and wanted to work for MTV more than anything (it was the 80s!). However marriage and family led me to pursue teaching. As a career middle-school teacher, I cannot imagine being with any other group of students. I enjoyed teaching and leading students so much that I became an Academic Dean, then a Dean of Students, and now am a Middle School Director. I am so grateful every day to be with people I love to work with—both students and faculty!
At WES Since: 2016
What is your philosophy on teaching?
I am passionate about nurturing lifelong learners by cultivating curiosity, encouraging teamwork, instilling a culture of thinking, and inspiring joy. Problems are simply puzzles to be solved. I teach to the whole child.
What is one of your goals as a teacher?
To provide a safe space for students to share their thinking freely, embrace mistakes, develop their identity, laugh, and self-reflect.
One of my favorite student quotes:
My brain just gave me an idea!
Recognition:
Congratulations to Mrs. Davies, who was selected as a finalist for the Washington Post’s Teacher of the Year Award!
Bio:
I became a teacher because I love to learn. While at WES, I landed in the sweet spot of second grade. Most recently, I have taken to heart my role to prepare students, and their families, for an uncertain world. To that end, I believe that skills such as flexible thinking, creativity, and a growth mindset are vital to the classroom experience.
My educational background includes a B.A. from the University of Michigan, a B.F.A. from The Corcoran School of Art, and an M.S. from Johns Hopkins University. When I’m not at WES you can find me at the National Zoo supporting its conservation mission, hiking Rock Creek Park, exploring art, and playing games with my family and friends.
At WES Since: 2022
Why did you become a teacher?
I’ve known since a very young age that I wanted to become a teacher. As a student, I struggled with reading and there were many influential teachers along the way who helped me become a more confident and strong reader. I want to be a motivational teacher for my students. My goal as a teacher is to always make learning fun and engaging!
What is your favorite quote?
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” -A.A. Milne
Bio:
I got my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University with a concentration in Reading. I have worked internationally in Nicaragua, where I taught English as a second language as part of the Barrio Planta Project. I then moved back to the U.S. to continue my teaching career by working as a reading specialist for Grades 4-8 at Bullis School and St. Bernadette School. Before coming to WES, I worked for seven years at the Holy Trinity School in D.C. as a Grade 2 Teacher and Kindergarten teaching aid.
At WES Since: 2020
What are the best books you have ever read?
Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
What are your favorite quotes?
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin
“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” Maya Angelou
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Bio:
I graduated from the University of Vermont and received my Master of Education degree from Lesley University. I have 21 years of teaching and educational consulting experience. Originally from Massachusetts, I have resided in the DMV area for over 18 years and live in Alexandria with my two daughters, Bryn and London, and doggy, Tessa. I love spending time with my kids and watching them compete on their crew and soccer team’s, cooking and eating yummy food, shoe-shopping, going to the beach, and spending time in nature.
What is your favorite quote?
“The greatest glory in living lies not in ever falling, but in rising every time you fall.” ~ Nelson Mandela~
Bio:
Growing up I struggled in school. I had to work twice as hard as my friends did to obtain a grade that was similar to theirs. I struggled to read and write at my grade level which made me feel small and not as smart as my peers. However, my learning strategist was able to explain that I learned differently than my peers and that I needed more assistance. I was diagnosed with Dyslexia. She provided guidance but also gave me the strength and the will to push through the challenges and believe in myself again. Thanks to her work and her encouragement through my schooling, I always thought I wanted to be that kind of teacher in someone’s life. My passion for working with students came from my experience as a student. I became a teacher because I want to help students see that their challenges are not their weaknesses but rather their strengths which could open more opportunities than one could imagine. Sometimes the people we least expect can have the biggest impact on us. I have a bachelor’s degree from Graceland University and a master’s degree in educational psychology from McGill University. In my spare time, I love to be active by working out at a gym, playing a sport, or hiking. I also enjoy cooking, exploring new places, and doing puzzles. Having grown up in Kenya, I love a good safari, too!
At WES Since: 1995
What motivated you to become a teacher?
I always loved school and learning. Even as a student, I delighted in helping classmates figure out ways to better understand what we were studying. I started tutoring younger students when I was in high school and then was a teaching assistant in college. I loved the challenge of developing methods for explaining concepts clearly and efficiently, and that reached different people with different learning styles. Plus, I grew up in a family that is enthusiastic about science and the natural world, so it seemed natural to pass along that enthusiasm to others.
If you could talk to any living person now, who would it be and why?
The British naturalist/biologist Sir David Attenborough -– for me, he embodies the spirit of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. He eloquently communicates the responsibility we humans have to be good stewards of this planet. I would be especially eager to hear his opinions on the best strategies for supporting endangered species and ecosystems.
Bio:
I am Italian, born in Rome and arriving in the US as a little girl. I grew up locally, attended Georgetown University, and have been teaching Middle School science ever since. Besides teaching science, I enjoy hiking, gardening, and films, and I am a certified Irish dance instructor. Most of all, I love spending time with my family, especially my husband and our two sons and their wives.
Awards:
2014 Bethesda Magazine‘s Top Teachers in Bethesda, MD
