NETS standard #1Reflection

The NETS standards for teachers lays out a plan to hold teachers accountable for continual growth in the realm of technology. Standard one asks that teachers show an understanding of technology concepts and operations and show continual growth of those concepts. In a nutshell, the ISTE would like for all teachers to at least be able to show proficiency in the area of technology and grow as that area expands. Teachers must continually expand their repetoire in technology because it changes so quickly. What you show mastery of one day will change at an exponential rate.

In comparison to teachers around me, I feel like I am adequately equipped to meet these standards. Technology is something that I am passionate about in my personal life and the lives of my students. Much of my time is spent in researching ways to utilize technology in my classroom - from digital story telling through Movie Maker, podcasting, wikis, and internet bulletin boards - I make sure that my students are as comfortable as I am with the wide variety of options to learn. I feel like I have mastered the first standard on the NETS list. As far as a course of action to improve my weaknesses, I would like to explore the area of VODcasting in more depth. My students love using POD casting, so I think that is the most apparent next step.

After Pictures of classroom

Here are the after pictures of my classroom. Remember, it is always a work in progress.

Summer Update

I know that many of you have been anxiously waiting for me to post our latest adventure. Well, there haven't been many lately. I have been in graduate class for most of the summer. That ended the last day of June. Here's the update:

I turned 32 this summer.
Got a new job - 5th grade at a school 3 miles from the house.
Teaching at a technology conference in July.
More graduate classes in July.
School starts August 14th.

I've been in school mode for most of the summer. With a new position, that won't change. The pictures are of my room before I get in and of a sunflower field down the street from our house.

A New Journey

Today was the first day in a new direction for me. I began the first steps to my graduate career. Never before have I even been interested in pursuing an advanced degree, but here I am looking forward to beginning the journey. I've started pursuing my Master's in Writing Instruction today.

Snow Day!

After 3 years of not seeing snow, we finally received a light dusting early this morning. All of the Upstate sat in anticipation last night to see if we would wake with a blanket of white today. To be honest, I was just looking for that much desired "snow day" at work. A much needed day of rest, sleeping late, and doing what I wanted to was much appreciated. Although this doesn't compare to what we've seen in Seattle and Juneau, it made me realize how much I miss winter. I love the clothes, the change in scenery, and getting out in the weather to experience the snow.

Family Addition

I wanted to introduce all of you guys to our latest family addition, Cash. Today during my class Christmas party, a parent asked if I wanted a puppy. Her son was very upset when Bogey died, so she thought of me when she happened upon this precious little guy. He is 1/2 lab and 1/2 weimeraner and 100% cute. We decided to name he Cash after my school. He is 7 weeks old. Christmas has been full of surprises already. I've gotten my house painted, a new cool jacket, and now a puppy. What a great way to end a year!

'Tis the Season

On Saturday Cheney and I drove up the mountain in search of the perfect Christmas Tree farm. We spent all day piddling around Hendersonville, NC. We discovered lots of quaint little shops that I will definitely return to. I never thought I would find $150 pajamas in a little mountain town :) After a late lunch and shopping, we ended up 2 miles from our house at a Christmas tree farm. We opted for a Leyland Cypress this year. I spent the rest of the evening decorating the tree and making popcorn and cranberry chains.

We were planning on making the journey back to Baton Rouge for a visit after Christmas, but we aren't going to be able to now, so we're making the best of Christmas in SC.