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September Teacher Spotlight

How long have you been a teacher and what have you taught? 

I started full time teaching eight years ago in fall 2014. I have taught middle school ELA at Dorothy Height (formerly Paul Habans), Alice Harte, and I currently work at Success at Thurgood Marshall. I am the ELA content leader there.

Why did you choose teaching? 

I like to think that teaching chose me – I never wanted to be anything else!

What piece of advice would you give to new teachers? 

I would tell new teachers to gather inspiration from others – but don’t be afraid to find your own style! It can be really tempting to compare yourself to a teacher across the hall or on the internet – take what works for you and your students and leave what doesn’t.

What’s a funny or inspiring anecdote you have from teaching? 

When we first started live virtual teaching during the pandemic, one of my students once told me he was kicked out of a zoom because “my dog cut out my wifi” I still giggle at that screenshot from time to time.

What are you reading right now? 

I’m working towards my PhD so I am almost ALWAYS reading. My favorite coursework book so far this semester is all about love by bell hooks. For leisure, I’m working my way through The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill, and it is amazing!

What are your hobbies?

I love yoga and hanging out with my two very spoiled dogs. 

How do you think your students would describe you? 

Middle school is a special time, so if you asked my students to describe me, they would definitely start with the word “short”. If you pushed them past that, I think they would say I’m structured but patient.

Favorite food?

Sushi

Where do you see your self in five days? 

In five days I will probably be stressing out about my statistics class.

In five months? I will (hopefully) have my dissertation topic finalized.

In five years? I will (hopefully) be training new and developing ELA teachers!

Thanks for all that you do, Hayley! 

For a link to a recent opinion piece that Hayley wrote on Social Emotional Learning, click here.