ŷ������

I’ve known for as long as I can remember that I wanted to be a teacher. When it came time to choose a college, I was already focused on finding a strong education. Everyone I met was so passionate about teaching, and I could tell the faculty truly cared, not just about what you learned in class, but about helping you grow as a person and future educator.

My time at Hood gave me such a foundation to use within my teaching journey. One class that really stuck with me was elementary math. I remember sitting there thinking, “This is not how I learned math growing up!” But once I was in my own classroom, I realized how important that shift was. The course helped me understand how to teach math in a way that encourages students to think conceptually—to really understand the “why” behind the math and not just memorize steps.

Another huge part of my growth came from the hands-on experiences, such as working in Hood’s preschool and getting into classrooms during Phases I through III. Those moments being mentored by experienced teachers and working directly with students was essential to my program.

Graduating with my master’s in educational leadership from Hood in 2024 was another pivotal moment. That program pushed me to think differently—not just in my classroom, but in my school community. It taught me how decisions impact everyone involved—students, families, teachers—and helped me grow into a more thoughtful, confident advocate.

There are so many! Some of my favorites are the everyday moments—hanging out with my friends in the dorms, relaxing on the quad and going to the annual crab feast (I’m a serious crab lover, so that event was always a highlight). Playing field hockey at Hood was a huge part of my life, too. And something extra special—Hood is where I met my husband, Nathaniel Puryear Jr.! We just got married in Jamaica on April 17, 2025. So when I think of Hood, I think of friendship and community. 

Definitely. Professor Torres-Crespo and Professor Strickland were two of my education professors, and their classes really helped shape me as a teacher. They didn’t just teach content—they pushed us to think deeply, reflect and believe in ourselves. I also stayed involved outside the classroom and was active in the Black Student Union. Travis Eichelberger, who advised BSU, and Dean White were both amazing mentors. They supported me not just as a student, but as a whole person. Their encouragement meant so much to me, and I carry that with me today.

It’s honestly hard to put into words. As someone who grew up in Frederick County and is now teaching here, this recognition is incredibly personal. Since being named Teacher of the Year, I’ve had so many former teachers reach out to congratulate me—and that has meant the world. It reminded me that teachers never stop cheering you on. Even years later, they’re still in your corner. That’s the heart of this profession.

I'm honored to represent FCPS and to uplift the amazing work happening in our schools every day. In this role, I want to advocate for classrooms where every student feels seen, supported and inspired. I also hope to support fellow educators as we work toward creating spaces where all students can thrive. And I’m really looking forward to connecting with other Teachers of the Year across Maryland—we have so much to learn from one another.

My students are hands-down my favorite part of teaching. They’re the reason I do what I do. I love their energy, their curiosity, their notes and drawings, and the inside jokes we build as a class. There’s nothing better than seeing how much they grow, not just academically, but as people throughout the year.

The most challenging part is not having enough time during my workday. There’s so much that goes into planning high-quality lessons, meeting individual needs and communicating with families—it can be tough to fit everything into the school day. I often find myself bringing work home.

Be a lifelong learner. One of the most important things you can do as an educator is to stay curious and reflective. During your internships, don’t be afraid to take risk, try new strategies and experiment with different tools or lesson formats. Then take time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t and how you can grow from it. Hood will give you a foundation, but your growth doesn’t stop there. Keep asking questions, keep learning and always lead with your heart.

Learn more about Hood’s education programs.