What is your personal philosophy?Do hard things. No one ever grows by staying comfortable. And the truth is, no matter how hard you try to stay comfortable, life will eventually force you outside that zone. So, you might as well do it on your own terms and make the best of those opportunities for growth.
What is your favorite technology tool for the classroom? How do you use that technology? I’m a technology teacher so there is a plethora of tools to choose from. Though I use Google Classroom the most, I would choose NearPod as my favorite. It allows me to use a variety of methods to deliver my content to the students and then allows them to respond in real time. I can use those responses to instantly assess how they are learning, and am also able to anonymously share those responses to the rest of the class for reflection. My students enjoy the interaction as well as the ability to write, draw, create charts, etc., when responding.
How has technology made your classroom better? Technology IS my classroom. I am passionate about technology because it creates an environment where students can both receive instruction in ways that connect with their learning styles as well as create products that are exciting and engaging for them. Content that otherwise might seem “boring” to some students can come alive when connected to technology.
What three traits define you? Adaptive, Expectant, and Detail-oriented!
What does true leadership mean to you?We are all leaders. How we choose to lead and where we choose to lead is what varies. A positive leader will lead with patience and grace and will lead others to good.
Who is your biggest inspiration? Jesus. I fail often, but my desire is to be like Him in all ways.
What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had? I was a meat slicer in a deli, but then I sliced my thumb instead of the meat, while not wearing the metal glove I was supposed to be wearing, and they made me the cookie dough scooper instead!
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this? I would travel the world as a photojournalist. But, my family would all have to agree to come with me!
What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13? Embrace change. Your plans will not go as expected. It’s okay. There might be something better in store.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Shapeshifting!
What is your personal philosophy? A wise man named Buckaroo Bonzai once said, "no matter where you go, there you are." Sounds so simplistic to almost be inane, but I feel like it means do the best with what you've got & where you are, push the possibilities with whatever you can to make the most out of the time you have on this amazing merry-go-round we call life.
What is your favorite technology tool for the classroom? How do you use that technology? Hmmm. Jury is still out on that one. I love the flexibility and structure of Google Classroom, but there are so many other fun tech tools out there now for educational uses. I feel like I am just getting started.
How has technology made your classroom better? I think it is important to always remember that technology is a tool. It is not a substitute for good teaching or for relationship building, but it can make class more interactive, engaging and organized. My personal goal is to do a better job using teachnology....ha ha typed that by mistake, but now i like it.... to do a better job with feedback & assessment.
What three traits define you? Science geek, ambitious, quirky (read: annoying at times)
What does true leadership mean to you?I believe the best leaders lead by quiet example.
Who is your biggest inspiration? Jane Goodall- I got to meet her once! Neil de Graase Tyson is a close second.
What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had? Growing microbes working for undergrads in the microbiology dept at A&M...or the Peace Corps....both places can get pretty weird!
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this? Stand up comedy...just kidding...I'd be a dusty old prof of chemical ecology somewhere doing some kind of exotic research in tropical climes.
What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13? "you're alright kid" and I'd give myself a hug.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Mind control...(you could stop a lot of bad stuff happening that way).