School: Henry Burkhart Elementary
Grade/Subject: First
Education Background: Indiana University

Why did you become a teacher?  I always wanted to be a teacher. I used to play school in our basement as a child.

What goals do you have for your students?  I want my students to be confident readers and writers and to always believe that they can do anything.

Name your favorite band or musician.  I can’t say I have a true favorite band. If you listened to my Pandora station it is all over the place. Rock, country, disco, Frank Sinatra. You never know what you might hear when you walk into my room in the morning.

What is something your students might be surprised to learn about you?  I would love to travel in space.

Choose one and explain why: Oscar, Olympic gold or Showcase Showdown.  Olympic gold. I am very competitive.

Name 3 people — living or dead — who you would like to invite to dinner.  I would invite my grandparents. As I get older, there are so many questions I wish I would have asked, and I miss them every day.

When you were a kid, what were your career aspirations? At one time I wanted to be an astronaut, but I can’t swing without getting sick.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?  I love the beach anywhere. It is a great way to relax.

If you were trapped on a deserted island, what are the three items you would want with you?  Toothbrush and toothpaste, matches, and my pillow.