Anastasia is a working class academic and first generation college graduate with an undergraduate degree in history (minor in literature) and an MA in Education from the University of Southern Indiana. Anastasia is also a Fulbright scholar and has international experience through IREX (teacher exchange) to India. She has participated in multiple study abroad experiences, including a cultural immersion experience in Trinidad and has leadership in student study abroad experiences in Costa Rica and China. Anastasia started her secondary teaching career in 2007 and taught in a plethora of diverse environments across 3 states. These diverse environments include public, private and charter schools; urban, suburban and rural; and ages from middle school to adult classrooms. She has led professional development sessions at NCSS (National Council for the Social Studies) and multicultural awareness training for teachers and students. Most recently she has facilitated the Sue Shear Leadership Academy at UMSL. Anastasia's teaching career has been driven by a passion to educate globally minded citizens who are exposed to multiple perspectives and critical thinking skills so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their communities. Throughout her experience, she has realized how essential character education, media literacy and resiliency are in developing globally-minded citizens. After the pandemic, Anastasia's focus and passion has shifted to teacher agency and advocacy, empowering teachers with the voice and support they need to better serve their students and communities.
