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About the Author
I am a 2nd grade teacher in Benicia, CA. I hold a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Merced and earned my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from CSU Fresno through the CalStateTEACH program. Prior to teaching, I spent 3 years working for the House of Representatives and on a congressional campaign.
As the first member of my family to attend and graduate from college, I know the importance that a college degree has for one's future. I believe it is my duty as an educator to ensure students are prepared with the knowledge and skills that the 21st century demands. Of these, I see a strong need for students to be successful collaborative learners. Further, I feel that students learn best when they are fully engaged in the learning process. I strive to create a classroom where students are passionate about what they are learning, feel respected and cared for, and are challenged to meet their full potentials.
As the first member of my family to attend and graduate from college, I know the importance that a college degree has for one's future. I believe it is my duty as an educator to ensure students are prepared with the knowledge and skills that the 21st century demands. Of these, I see a strong need for students to be successful collaborative learners. Further, I feel that students learn best when they are fully engaged in the learning process. I strive to create a classroom where students are passionate about what they are learning, feel respected and cared for, and are challenged to meet their full potentials.
Reflections on your Journey
It seems a little premature to reflect on my "journey" because I know that my journey with Project-Based Learning is only just beginning. I first became exposed to the idea of PBL while I was a student teacher and substitute in Napa. I was able to work at a school that was forging the way for the District and truly changing the learning experiences of its students. I was so impressed with the work the students were doing and the dedication the teachers displayed. I knew that I wanted to be able to do the same in my classroom.
Although I am not at a school that officially uses Project-Based Learning as its method of instruction, I do feel supported in my desires to utilize PBL. I am fortunate to work in a small district where the teachers are motivated to learn themselves and really want the best for students. I do foresee PBL or inquiry-based learning becoming a part of districts everywhere in the future, and I feel fortunate to have been able to learn as much as I have so far. I feel that I can be a resource for my own community of teachers if we adopt PBL in the future. I am looking forward to continuing to learn as much as I can regarding PBL and student collaboration in order to foster a classroom of engaged learners.
Although I am not at a school that officially uses Project-Based Learning as its method of instruction, I do feel supported in my desires to utilize PBL. I am fortunate to work in a small district where the teachers are motivated to learn themselves and really want the best for students. I do foresee PBL or inquiry-based learning becoming a part of districts everywhere in the future, and I feel fortunate to have been able to learn as much as I have so far. I feel that I can be a resource for my own community of teachers if we adopt PBL in the future. I am looking forward to continuing to learn as much as I can regarding PBL and student collaboration in order to foster a classroom of engaged learners.
Lasting Learning from the Innovative Learning program
I am thrilled to have been part of the Touro Innovative Learning Program Cohort 7. This community of learners have been so supportive and inspiring. I am grateful to the teachers who have exposed me to so many new tools and resources to use in my own classroom to teach, as well as tools for my personal teaching needs. Because of this, I feel more prepared to support my students with Common Core and 21st century learning.
I feel especially more proficient in the areas of technology integration. Although my credential program emphasized technology integration, it didn't give me specific tools to use. Those I had to seek out and learn about myself. This program has offered so much and has enabled me to do more with technology than I ever thought possible. Prior to this program, my students use of technology was pretty limited. They used the computer lab, took Accelerated Reader quizzes, did some research, and used word processing tools. Now, my students are using apps daily for math and spelling, producing writing samples with video, audio, and images, creating movies, and even learning how to code. I myself also taught a workshop on producing iMovies, something that I never even knew how to do prior!
Another thing that I have learned from this program is how to be a risk-taker. As a new teacher, I want to make a good impression and show that I am able to teach the standards and prepare students for the next level. Of course, I also want to show that I am competent in using adopted curriculum. However, I learned that it is okay to be a little different and put your own personal spin on teaching. You have to find your passion and philosophy on education and find a way to make that fit in your class. I learned that I can teach the standards using the curriculum, while also incorporating technology and collaborative learning.
I feel especially more proficient in the areas of technology integration. Although my credential program emphasized technology integration, it didn't give me specific tools to use. Those I had to seek out and learn about myself. This program has offered so much and has enabled me to do more with technology than I ever thought possible. Prior to this program, my students use of technology was pretty limited. They used the computer lab, took Accelerated Reader quizzes, did some research, and used word processing tools. Now, my students are using apps daily for math and spelling, producing writing samples with video, audio, and images, creating movies, and even learning how to code. I myself also taught a workshop on producing iMovies, something that I never even knew how to do prior!
Another thing that I have learned from this program is how to be a risk-taker. As a new teacher, I want to make a good impression and show that I am able to teach the standards and prepare students for the next level. Of course, I also want to show that I am competent in using adopted curriculum. However, I learned that it is okay to be a little different and put your own personal spin on teaching. You have to find your passion and philosophy on education and find a way to make that fit in your class. I learned that I can teach the standards using the curriculum, while also incorporating technology and collaborative learning.