scribblesfromaschoolteacher

I teach ELA 7 at Union Middle School at Union School District in San Jose. As a middle school teacher, my biggest challenge is reaching that disengaged student – hoodie on, arms crossed, no paper or pencil – with the rebellious and insolent ‘make me’ look. How do we ignite their spark, take them off the bench and onto the ‘varsity team’? How can we coach them into making a positive contribution to the world? Entering my twenty-seventh year of teaching, I believe that future-ready instruction is the only way to reach today's students – both reluctant and those ready to soar. Technology-rich, collaborative classrooms are engaging, challenging and innovative. When integrated with literacy skills, these classrooms will serve students for the rest of their lives. In addition to my classroom experience, I also am a teacher-consultant with Area 3 Writing Project. In this capacity, I have organized and facilitated teacher-led workshops for a variety of audiences including CATE and several multi-day workshops for teachers and districts looking for additional professional development in writing. I participated in the MERIT and Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) program through the Krause Innovation Center in the Bay Area. This were both incredible professional development opportunities to that led to push my thinking around the uses and implementation of technology in the classroom.