Texas Gifted Guide

Let me introduce myself. I have a Master of Science in Educational Technology Leadership, a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, and a Texas teaching certificate. I have 25 years of teaching experience in education. Fourteen of those years were in a public school setting, two years of technology staff development, six years of training in the insurance industry, and the desire to provide teachers with the knowledge to smoothly integrate technology effortlessly into their classrooms. I have taught from grades 1 - 12 and adult education for 25 years in public education and six years in a private setting. Certifications: Elementary Education 1st - 8th Grades Elementary History Elementary Self-Contained Middle School 4th - 8th Grades Math Science Secondary Education 6th - 12th Grades History Reading Art Speech Communications Social Studies Composite All Level Special Education English As A Second Language Supplemental

My philosophy of education is rooted in Confucius’ statement, “I hear and I forget.I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” From that statement, I conclude that the ideal learning environment consists of five fundamental beliefs: EDUCATION MUST BE RELEVANT TO STUDENT LIVES. EDUCATION MUST COMBINE SOUND THEORY AND HANDS-ON LEARNING. EDUCATION MUST BE INNOVATIVE AND REFLECT THE DYNAMICS OF LEARNING BY ENCOURAGING CRITICAL THINKING. APPLIED EDUCATION MUST BE COMPETENCY/STANDARDS BASE. TECHNOLOGY MUST BE SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATED INTO THE CURRICULUM

Awards: Teacher of the Year 2010 Mimio Master Microsoft Innovative Educator Google Educator District ElementaryTeacher of the Year 2023 Presentation Accomplishments: Region 10 CSCOPE Conference 2011 CSCOPE State Convention 2011 CAST State Science Convention 2011 Region 6 CSCOPE Conference 2011 Region 10 Curriculum Conference 2012 Region 6 Science Conference 2012 CAST State Science Convention 2012 Region 6 Science Conference 2013 Regin 4 Access to General Curriculum Conference 2014 CAST State Science Convention 2013 K12 Online Conference 2015

Education: Texas A& M-Commerce: Master of Science Learning Technology Information Systems/Media & Technology East Texas State University: Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Certifications: Elementary Education 1st - 8th Grades Elementary History Elementary Self-Contained Middle School 4th - 8th Grades Math Science Secondary Education 6th - 12th Grades History Reading Art Speech Communications Social Studies Composite All Level Special Education English As A Second Language Supplemental Gifted & Talented

I believe that the education system should follow the curriculum. It provides structure and resources for teachers across the state on what information needs to be covered in their classroom. Teachers can be creative with their instruction while following the curriculum. Following the curriculum will help prepare students for a successful life. Technology plays a significant role in today’s society therefore teachers and students must understand how to use the resources that are available for them. I believe that technology in education is a tool to use as any other tool in the classroom; it is not something that should stand-alone. Teachers should become proficient in the available technology and model proper use. The technology must enhance the learning experience and follow best practices. Classroom management is an important aspect of the educational process. It depends on how skilled the teacher is to create an environment where appropriate enforcers exist that facilitate learning and establish acceptable behavior within the classroom. Having positive reinforcement will help students behave well toward one another, sit quietly and listen, and participate when needed. I believe to have a manageable classroom, first of all, the class needs to be structured. Meaning when the students enter the class, they know what is expected of them every day. Having an agenda or routine will help students know their expectations creating fewer behavior issues and leave more room for learning. Students of all ages should be encouraged daily to embrace the world around them. In doing so, they should want to gain new knowledge from that world. I would hope that all teachers would have the desire to create students who wish to learn for the sheer pleasure of learning itself. I once had a college professor who said that if one stops learning they start dying. I did not understand that at the time, however, as a more mature individual I have found that when I have been slack in my personal learning it has seemed as if I did, in effect, lose some of my edge. I believe it is the ultimate goal of teachers too; help create a safe learning environment, integrate technology into the curriculum, encourage students to develop into critical thinkers who are capable of becoming successful adults. When all of this happens, one can say the educational process has been a success.