TEACH: What do you love most about working in education?
AS: The opportunity to help teachers like me! I think all too often teachers’ burnout can cause them to take out frustrations on their students, which isn’t fair or constructive. At TEACH, I am excited to focus on the teacher and on helping them create positive learning environments for their students. I know first-hand that there are so many factors playing a role in a classroom on any given day, so providing teachers with an extra set of hands and a wealth of support helps minimize some of that stress and helps create a healthy environment for all.

TEACH: Who do you consider one of the great teachers in your life and why?
AS: My second-grade teacher, Ms. Aukerman, used to call me her shadow. I just loved her! At the time, I didn’t quite understand why I was so drawn to her. It’s because she created a welcoming environment for all of us. She was always pleasant, even when we messed up. She created a healthy environment where we were allowed to be who we were, regardless of performance. Years later, I also had her as my high school cheerleading coach, and she demonstrated the same essence. She was vulnerable, open, encouraging and always in our corner.