My Journey Begins

21st Century Learning....My Journey Begins

My knowledge thus far of 21st Century Learning on a scale of 1-5 would be possibly a two.....I've heard of it, I'm aware that it involves technology and skills surrounding our technological world. However, over the past 6 months I have learned that it has much to do with collaboration and communication as well. I anticipate that much of the content will resonate strongly with my personal beliefs and teaching style, however, I've never had any explicit instruction regarding the competencies. My journey starts with excitement, and a bit of hesitancy as I don't have a class of students to apply it to. My hopes are to take the information learned in the class and find ways to support my teachers, even if they have not been trained in the competencies themselves. 

Who am I?

In the life of Amanda

Often times teachers get pigeon-holed into a category, and when someone asks "Who are you?" a teacher is quick to announce...."I'm a 2nd grade teacher." I'm struggling with that this year. My initial response isn't as easy anymore. Grappling with the balance between new motherhood, housekeeper, wife, sister, charity queen and a changing career.... I often pause and ponder how to describe who I am and what I do now.

Professionally I have stepped out of a classroom (although teaching children has been my passion for over a decade) and I am working with teachers. I'm a TOSA. A Teacher On Special Assignment. This year has been a huge learning curve for me as I soak in new information, figure out how to disseminate that information to several different staffs, and adhere to three different administration styles. The process of determining exactly what my job IS and if I'm doing it right has been a roller coaster, and I LOVE IT! 

Teachers are some of the best people that exist in the world. They are also one of the most overworked professionals in America. I have the pleasure of supporting them and trying to find ways to make their jobs better.

Previously, I taught for 7 years at Hunsberger E.S, and 3 years before that in a small country school in South Texas. 

My experiences on both ends of the spectrum of SES schools has led me to be successful at supporting Caughlin Ranch (a Blue Ribbon School), Roy Gomm, and Hunter Lake E.S. 

My time not spent at those schools is dedicated to my growing family. I am wife to an amazing man, Chris, who is a Game Writer at IGT, and the mother to a very special miracle, named Noah, who is two years old. We play trains, cars, and hide-n-go-seek, We hunt for bugs, and play at parks. Being his mommy is a blast! 

I'm also a Pinterest Addict. My house is in a constant project phase. Currently I have over a dozen frames hanging on my walls, that still don't have photos in them. I can't choose my most favorites yet.....my pinterest dreams are slowly becoming accomplished. 

Above all, I'm a learner. I have a hole in my wall. I google it. I wanted to learn to paint with Acrylics, I youtubed it. This 'blog' and my goal for learning 21st Century Competencies is my current learning focus, and I'm very excited to jump into with this class!