My graduate work began in the summer of 2009, just before I began my first year as a fourth grade teacher at Clinton Elementary School in Tiffin, Ohio. Technology was my chosen focus of study; because I enjoy working with computers and creating media. I had fun constructing a science webquest about light in my undergraduate program and I hoped to explore this and other forms of presenting students with critical thinking tasks. Bowling Green State University granted me the opportunity to create and maintain webquests, wikis, blogs, videos, podcasts and more. While learning the importance of media literacy and internet safety, I found ways to convey these concepts to my students. Much of my graduate work was applied to my fourth grade classroom. I continue to expand my knowledge of using technology to enhance learning. In Spring of 2012, I worked with my students to create a bicycle safety video using imovie and the greenscreen function. I graduated from Bowling Green State University in August 2011 with a Masters of Science in Classroom Technology providing a Computer Technology Endorsement to my license.
During my undergraduate work, I learned about educational theory and gained insight to child development. Each year I participated in eye-opening field work that allowed me to determine my passion for working with middle level students in the areas of math and science. It was beneficial to gain a broad perspective of how different schools and age levels operated and to obtain authentic teaching experience. I spent my summers as a counselor for Camp Glen located just outside Tiffin, Ohio. This opportunity helped me to draw connections between the developmental theories I was mastering in college with actual children of varying ages. I continued to work with Campfire USA while completing my student teaching, by co-leading a group of middle level students in environmentally friendly practices. This group was called Going Green with Teens. I graduated from Heidelberg in December 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Middle Childhood Education.
A myriad of activities spark my interest as I enjoy learning new things. I believe that these diverse experiences help me to relate to my students. As a child I was adventurous. The majority of my time was spent playing in a wooded area with my close friend. Girl Scouts and Lutheran Memorial Summer Camp played an important part of my childhood, building the moral base that I hold myself and others to today. Dance became an essential role starting from age three. I dabbled in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and hip hop. Soccer was my choice of sport from elementary school through my freshman year at Heidelberg. During high school I was active in the Ski Club (as a snowboarder), National Honor Society, Marching, Symphonic, and Pep Band (as a percussionist), some track, and S.T.A.N.D. (Students Taking a New Direction christian organization). Currently I spend my free time playing board games and computer games with my husband and friends.