Most Important Part of Teaching: “It would be creating an authentic experience for my students that’s not just reading a book and answering some questions about it but talking about things that will impact them and their lives when they become adults. Because I teach literature, I want them to know what different pieces of literature can tell them about being human. I want to create learning experiences that aren’t just confined to these walls, but to the world around them.”

Greatest Ambition: “Maybe to become a published author of some sort. I don’t know what it is I would publish. I guess my greatest ambition would be to publish something that someone would want to read.”

Favorite Book: “Probably To Kill A Mockingbird. The first time I read it, I was in third grade, and I just got out of it that it was a story about a little girl and her family. Since then, I’ve probably read it close to a dozen times, because, well, I’ve taught it eight years in a row. And then I read it in high school and then again in college. I get something different from it every time that I read it. I like that there’s a community dynamic and you see something different each time. I named my daughter Harper after the author, Harper Lee.”

Favorite Moment in Life So Far: “My favorite moment in my life is my kids being born. I didn’t realize how selfless I could be until I had those two babies. They put everything into perspective. All the little drama that I thought was important wasn’t important anymore. They helped me to find who I truly am, and they helped me figure out what’s important.”

“Mrs. Collett is a fun, energized and engaging teacher. As any new Advanced Placement English student, I came into this class quivering with fear but Mrs. Collett resolved that fear with care and humor. I am able to overcome this course thanks to her.” – Jenny Sun, junior

“She is one of those people who doesn’t treat us like children, but people wanting to learn.” – Matthew Vondersaar, junior

“She is very caring towards her students’ needs and is a kind and caring teacher.”  – Shruti Phadke, senior