From a young age Angelina has felt most at home when working in the classroom. Before school she did odd jobs for teachers in her building and was encouraged and motivated by the ways they challenged her to do her best. Those teachers always made her feel special and valued: something Angelina now makes the central focus for the students in her own classroom. She is now embarking on her fifth year in the classroom. Her first two years were at Washington Discovery Academy in Plymouth, Indiana, teaching first and second grade. She then moved to her current position in Mishawaka where she teachers sixth grade at Beiger Elementary.

When asked what three words her students would use to describe her classroom, Angelina replied, "I hope my students would describe my classroom as warm, engaging, and safe." 

When asked what inspires her, she said, "My students are my driving force day in and day out... Some of the best moments are when a student’s face lights up from a fun activity or a 'lightbulb' goes off when a student understands a challenging concept for the first time. These moments give me energy to apply myself and do my best for students each day."

Many thanks to Corinne Gries for conducting this interview with Angelina. To learn more about Angelina, visit our blog. If you would like to nominate a teacher to be featured in an upcoming ICTE newsletter, email indianaenglishteachers@gmail.com.