Astrya

I entered education from a political background and I specialize in all things social studies related. I am a lifelong learner with 12 years of teaching experience. I have been a department chair for the last five years and I have taught all middle school and high school level Social Studies courses in Texas. My passion is making History personal to my students. I focus on creating lessons that put the students in the situation and force them to make choices in the same manner used by the people we are studying. It has enhanced the level of critical thinking in my classroom and the results have been amazing.

To be honest, my teaching style varies by day but could probably most easily be defined as a facilitator model. My classroom is a very student-centered environment. I am an avid user of student centered technology and find myself constantly on the look-out for better ways to wield technology as an educational tool.

TEA 8th Grade Social Studies STAAR review panel (2013-2014 Test) National History Day Award (2012) Humanities Texas, Grant Winner (2012-2013 and 2013-2014) National Council for the Social Studies, Member

BA, Political Science; MPA, Public Administration & I am also In the process of completing a M.Ed., Educational Administration

I am a political science nerd and I love all things social studies related. In everything I do in the classroom I aspire to pass on my love and passion for our collective American History to my students. I am a published author and recently completed my second novel. When I am not teaching, learning or writing, I enjoy spending time with my family. My husband, son and I love to travel and have spent many a weekend day-tripping around Texas and Louisiana during the school year and vacationing abroad during our summer break. I am also a foodie, and I enjoy recreating the creole dishes of Louisiana in my kitchen and sharing it with friends.