Education and Teaching Background
- Graduated from W.C. Miller: 2002
- Attended/Graduated from Mayville State University : 2002 - 2006
- Distance Education Courses through University of Manitoba for Post Bac.: ongoing
- Taught grade 9-12 math and science at Green Valley School in Grunthal: 2006 - 2009
- Taught grades 7 and 8 at Ecole Parkside School in Altona: 2009 - present
The Teacher Me...Teaching is one of those things that I just always wanted to do. In fact, I remember sitting in a University class being asked what career we would pursue if not in education. I couldn't answer that question. That was 10 years ago, and as I begin my 8th year of teaching I still struggle with that question (though I have comi like up with some ideas...you can ask me sometime). This is what I love to do.
There are a few quotes I've come across and kept near and dear to me as they match with what I value in terms of learning in my own classroom. If you are a student in my class, a visitor to my class, or just a fly on the classroom wall I'd hope you see me trying to live up to these thoughtful words of others. Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. -Albert Einstein Every student can learn...just not on the same day or in the same way. -George Evans
Social media is like water. We can ignore it and watch kids drown. Or we can teach them how to swim. - Eric Sheninger
...the fact is that kids learn to make good decisions by making decisions, not by following directions. - Alfie Kohn When you steal a student's struggle you steal the learning. When you support the struggle you take that student farther than ever. - Krissy Venosdale
Tech gives the quietest student a voice. - Jerry Blumengarten
Our job as teachers is not to "prepare" kids for something; our job is to help kids learn to prepare themselves for anything. - AJ Juliani
Here's what I would say to any student: Knowing the answers will help you in school, but knowing how to question will help you in life. - Warren Berger
Great teachers focus not on compliance, but on connections and relationships. - PJ Caposey
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The Other Me...There is the whole world outside of the classroom that also exists. Though the two are closely intertwined, there are some things that you may (or may not) be interested to know.
We live in the middle of a field and I love it. This past spring a few students helped us start a yard by planting some seedlings. It is not much, but it's a start. A good reminder of how the smallest seeds can grow and fulfill a grand purpose. I appreciate the open space and the accompanying freedoms; like walking down the middle of the gravel road watching the sun fall slowly behind the fields of green. We have two boys, Peyton and Sawyer, who keep me (us) busy. Busy took on a whole new meaning after they entered the picture. I like busy, so it has worked out well. They love to get dirty, wrestle, and be loud. They make me smile and laugh. Laugh a lot. I love the expeditions we take. Sometimes we are storm chasers running from tornados. Other times we are creating potions and Peyton says, "according to my calculations, these could be extremely toxic.". Every day is a new adventure. I love their curiosity and wish that they never lose the desire to learn and know by doing. Even if it means chaos. Peyton loves fantasy worlds, imaginative play, dancing, playing games, climbing and swimming. He is a social butterfly. He is never short on ideas and loves his independence. Thankfully he still has time for cuddles when he feels alone. Peyton's spirit captivates me. He is a protector of things and people. Though he comes off as a tough nut with his big guy attitude, you can see his heart break when someone is upset or sad. He likes to watch and observe, and then try new things when he feels safe. He is starting to open up the idea of taking more risks. He makes my heart happy when the moment after he fails he decides he will try again. This is what a mom (at least this one) wants in her boy! Sawyer is crazy. He gets into everything and has more mishaps in a day than I can keep track of. Still, he keeps smiling. He loves to dance, run, climb, and try and keep up with his big brother. But dancing and music trump his list of favorites. He is in love with tractors and the outdoors. He loves "his garden" and will make daily trips to pick peas, dig potatoes, and look for carrots and beans. When you tell him "no" he tries even harder. He drives his little tractor around and talks with his Grandpa about the fields. His best friend is his dog, Fergie. He cries when she leaves to go for a walk with Grandma. Sawyer is a problem solver and go-getter. He also likes to cuddle (even before the moon is up). He loves making people smile and laugh and does it without much effort. I'm also lucky enough to be married to the guy who is the best dad to those boys. He loves to wrestle and is equally as loud. I appreciate that I can sit back and watch the rowdiness ensue. I take over when its time to read a book or mend the inevitable owies. I love how he comes home from work with energy to match the boys. Especially on the days that push me to the max. I'd say the four of us together are a pretty good match. Family is clearly the top of my favourite list, but some other things rank as well. Those include:
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