Learning Through Craft

* Elementary Classroom Teacher, 4th Grade, 3 years<br/> * Elementary Classroom Teacher, 5th Grade, 7 years<br/> * Math Assistant, Reading Assistant, Instructional Aide, 2 years<br/> * Professional Development Coordinator, K-12 Technology, 2 years<br/> * Freelance Web Site Developer, 2 years<br/>

Every teacher has their own philosophical approach. In my methodology, the "Big Ideas" that make for an engaging lesson are:<br/> <br/> * Metacognition (Reflection Component)<br/> * Improvisation and Interaction (Group Dynamic)<br/> * Connections (Thematic Teaching and Language Immersion)

* Salutatorian, H. S.<br/> * Vice President, Honor's Society<br/> * Paul Cheddar Award (Salutatorian of Class)<br/> * Ada H. Bahner Award (Highest Average, English)<br/> * Voted "Most Studious" (Senior Superlatives)<br/> * Dean's List, all 8 semesters<br/> * Summa Cum Laude graduate, B.S. Ed, K-6 (Concentration: Language Arts)

* Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education (Concentration: Language Arts)<br/> * Post-Graduate Studies, Teaching and Curriculum<br/> * ITTP (Intensive Technology Training Program) Training<br/>

I was born in a small Anthracite coal mining town in Pennsylvania, the 8th of 9 children. This region of our country is rich in opportunities to explore and discover fascinating fossils, geographic formations and see first-hand the remains of an industry that, for better and worse, changed the economy and landscape of northeastern Pennsylvania. I was schooled "on-the-job", and the "job" was playing in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Tramping through the woods with my father -- identifying leaf and tree, picking wild huckleberries and observing all four seasons close up -- I learned much about the world around me.<br/> <br/> After growing up and attending university, I moved to Lancaster County, and began life as a 5th grade teacher for 7 years, with three more years as a 4th grade teacher to follow. I was very fortunate to work with many talented professionals during this time, and became better acquainted with diverse ideas and methodologies that informed my teaching. In-service training, seminars and observing the best practices of my peers helped me to grow into a well-rounded educator. The writing process, bibliotherapy, thematic teaching and author studies were wonderful ways to teach reading strategies and to develop life-long readers. Our geographic locale in central Pennsylvania made teaching our social studies curriculum a rewarding experience, with historic sites and events happening so close to the schools where I taught. In the realms of science and mathematics, a "hands-on", process-based, manipulative-rich environment was adopted, and the results were exciting to see. Observing students form hypotheses, take intellectual risks and create new ideas from their established skill sets was something that I found inspiring to witness.<br/> <br/> I also credit my professional growth during this period to my 3 seasons of summer work with The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, doing "street work" for the amateur troupe, The Blackfryars. My improvisation and interaction training served time and again to help me "think on my feet" and adapt a lesson while in the midst of instruction. As the traditional classroom setting changed to embrace the special needs learner and ESS population, this background, with the motto "Change is the only constant", was invaluable.<br/> <br/> While full-time classroom teaching offered many rewards, technology was beginning to emerge as an important presence in the classroom. This intrigued me, and I trained at our local intermediate unit as part of the ITTP (Intensive Technology Training Program). I later became a member of the technology department of Elizabethtown Area School District, as Professional Development Coordinator, K-12, Technology (whew! long job title). I enjoyed meeting with teachers one-on-one to help them integrate the new technologies into their current teaching, to enhance the efficiency of the instructor and the learning experience for the student.<br/> <br/> After 2 years in the technology department, I took on the new role of "stay-at-home mom" for 9 years. I did freelance work, developing standards-compliant Web sites during this time, and became an Usborne Books bookseller. The years that I spent home with my children are something that I will always value.<br/> <br/> Since returning to the world of education, I have already worn a few hats: instructional paraprofessional (K-5, Reading and Math) and long-term substitute (Grade 6, Communication Arts). I hope to continue in the field of education for many years to come, and to enhance all of my instruction with the advantages that a Web 2.0-friendly classroom can offer.