Every day of educational work was a platform - you had to be poised, clear, and prepared.

• Professionalism: Students, parents, and the community were constituents and I had to represent my work and my organization with finesse. Verbal code switching was essential.  

• Energy: I always joked that I had two jobs: one was an educator, and the other was a full-time actor. I had to be “on” for the entire school day.

• Confidence: I presented frequently to the entire student body, to staff and families, and during District meetings and workshops. During BOLT, the TED Talk-inspired community event I designed and that I hosted each year, I confidently addressed the audience in a 1,200 seat auditorium.