During my years of teaching in the classroom I began to integrate new technology as it was offered. I enjoyed working with the district technology team to pioneer new devices. One of the first was the Elmo smart camera system. I loved not having to use transparency and could literally put anything under the camera. I also had the newest small ipod's to load read alouds for my students. These opportunities sparked my interest in Educational Technology Integration. When Huntsville ISD adopted Google Apps for Education a whole new world of productivity opened. Over the years I attended as many workshops, summits, and conferences I could to gain more knowledge of this platform. While teaching at the Intermediate School I was able to help the staff along the side of our Instructional Technology director and team to support integration. When the district restructured the Teaching and Learning department I was hired as an Engaged Learning Coach. During this time I was trained in Project Based Learning and Instructional Coaching. My partner and I supported five elementary campuses with integrating technology in the classroom. We worked with teachers, students, and administration. After relocating to Houston, I began working at The Village School. Here I continue working with a 1:1 initiative, Google Apps for Education, Project Based Learning, and leadership support. My passion is seeing student's engage in student centered classrooms. Using technology to enhance their learning and enable the teacher to spend more time with inquiry learning methods. Instructional technology is a great support system for teachers to get their students future ready.
Current Role:
Provides technology support to K-12 teachers and administrators through individual and group technology training. Recent trainings include BrainPop, SeeSaw, Genzy, Screencastify, Google Slides & Extensions, & Google Draw.
Conducts classroom technology lessons, co-teaches technology lessons, and plans integrated technology lessons with teachers.
Support the new 1:1 technology integration initiative (Chromebooks, iPads, and Macbooks) for all students and staff.
Supports student and staff data collection through BrightBytes to adjust and propel the Village Technology Plan.
Works with teachers to create Individual Technology Plans and goal setting documents. Works with administrators to help teachers reach personal technology goals.
The Teacher:
I started my teaching career in August of 2007 at Stewart Elementary in Huntsville, Texas. I had just received my teaching degree from Sam Houston State University and was eager to be in the classroom. I had originally planned on working with middle school students but I was granted the opportunity to teach 3rd grade. My first year I was the only self contained teacher in the grade level and had 21 amazing students. I learned endless valuable lessons from teachers around me, my team, but most of all the students. Over the next four years I worked as a Language Arts/Social Studies teacher and again self contained. During my years at Stewart Elementary I was able to be a part of many committees from enrichment week, STARR buddies (mentor program), new teacher mentor, and many others. This campus was a huge part of shaping me into the teacher I have become. In 2014 I received the opportunity to broaden my horizons into teaching 6th grade World Culture's at Huntsville Intermediate school. In this position I had an average of 100 students a day exploring and learning the cultures of the world. I believe that the students pushed me and molded me into a more productive and engaging teacher. Over time I have become more involved in educational technology. When the district adopting Google Apps for Education I was able to learn, explore, and incorporate many technology aspects to my lessons and skills. Being involved with our technology department and exploring the resources of Google has been influential in my teaching. I enjoyed my days in the classroom and loved being lost in their learning curosity.