"You have to touch the heart before you can reach the mind."
Words that have inspired my teaching for many years.
My teaching journey began in Indiana over 10 years ago, teaching chemistry and AP chemistry. I was lucky to be supported by Wabash College each year to do classroom-based research, where I could choose an area of focus for growth. That program gave me the structure and the courage to start playing with aspects of my teaching, in an effort to find better ways to reach kids.
In 2013 I came to Shelby County Public Schools in Kentucky, where I found a community that shared my desire to take risks and to trade what "works" for what might be best for kids' learning. In the time that I have been here, I have tested many edtech devices and systems as part of my developing practice. With access to technology and support for innovation, my classroom was transformed into a blended learning environment where the focus could be on growth and mastery. Our district embraces the idea of failing forward, so I dove in with the comfort of knowing that perfection is not required. We are expected to experiment and grow in our understanding, just as we ask our students to do.
I share this with you because my experience with education technology is founded on work in the classroom, and it is something I do because I enjoy seeing how it changes learning for students. Blended learning continues to be the best way I can answer this question: "What is the best use of my face-to-face class time with students?". I am lucky to be currently serving as a digital learning coach for the school district, where I can share my understanding of how education technology can transform a classroom community. I love helping inspire teachers to innovate and reimagine what classrooms can be for our students.
In 2013 I came to Shelby County Public Schools in Kentucky, where I found a community that shared my desire to take risks and to trade what "works" for what might be best for kids' learning. In the time that I have been here, I have tested many edtech devices and systems as part of my developing practice. With access to technology and support for innovation, my classroom was transformed into a blended learning environment where the focus could be on growth and mastery. Our district embraces the idea of failing forward, so I dove in with the comfort of knowing that perfection is not required. We are expected to experiment and grow in our understanding, just as we ask our students to do.
I share this with you because my experience with education technology is founded on work in the classroom, and it is something I do because I enjoy seeing how it changes learning for students. Blended learning continues to be the best way I can answer this question: "What is the best use of my face-to-face class time with students?". I am lucky to be currently serving as a digital learning coach for the school district, where I can share my understanding of how education technology can transform a classroom community. I love helping inspire teachers to innovate and reimagine what classrooms can be for our students.
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Born a Husker. |