Who I Am
Well, I am very new at this! My goal is to share some of the educational adventures here. I teach middle school social studies, math, and religion. I am so blessed to be where I am today. I am so grateful to God that He has guided me to where I am today.
After receiving a degree in Middle School Education at Franciscan University of Steubenville, I decided to enter ministry for the foreseeable future. It is not that I did not enjoy being in the classroom - I loved it! I took a position as the Coordinator of Youth Ministry at my home parish that I had grown up at. I was thrilled to be using my teacher training in ministry in my home parish. These were two very formative years! Still, some of my favorite memories to this point in my life were as Youth Minister in those two years. Getting back on the path I took the classroom...
While Youth Minster, I took several positions as a long-term substitute teacher, ranging from 4th Grade self-contained to middle school math teacher. Lord only knows how I taught full-time and was Youth Minister simultaneously. Only God's graces!! God's planning is so evident in each of my stops before my current position. I met so many experienced educators who both inspired me and encouraged my charism for teaching. Without these diversified experiences, I would not be the teacher I am today. I am so thankful for all those teachers I have met in my short career thus far.
I finally latched on at a school after a half-year in 4th grade as a long-term substitute. I remain there until today. After the first half-year as a substitute, I became one of the school's fourth grade teachers. (While I always envisioned teaching middle school, I learned how 4th graders are a gift in their attitudes and aim to please!) After my first full year, a position as middle school Social Studies teacher opened up - I quickly requested to move up. God's hand seemed so evident as I had been praying for a position at this level for years. Praise the Lord!
After three and a half years at St. Leo's, I am excited to be moving to the School District of Philadelphia where I will be teaching 5th grade. Super excited about this life change!
As for my blogging... You will probably see much focus on my addiction to educational technology. Seriously. The more I use it! The more I want to use and learn! If only there were more time! I am a huge proponent of G Suite for Education. In my first year of full-time teaching in 4th grade, I was introduced to Google Classroom in passing by a parent of an older student with special needs. Perhaps she was trying to advocate to the younger "more tech-friendly" teacher? Not quite sure! In the rush to prepare for the school year, I forgot about it for a while. I checked back into it shortly after school started and it was love at first sight! I utilized (in retrospect) minimally during that first year. In my second year of teaching, I switched to middle school at my Catholic School and it has been "off to the races." I have swiftly transitioned from an organized packet-loving teacher to an entirely paperless classroom! Inspired by the other bloggers and teacher educators out there, I am learning all sorts of innovative uses for tech in the classroom.
Thanks for joining me on the journey. To God be the Glory!
Photo used under Creative Commons from dlofink