After graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in finance, I worked for three years as a computer systems consultant. Finding little satisfaction in this type of work (except when I was training others) I decided to change careers and become a teacher. In my heart, I knew this was my calling. I had always enjoyed helping others, and I wanted to feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in my job. I wanted to make a difference for others. more >>
My professional history
I am currently in my second year as a 5th grade teacher at Sunnybrae Elementary in San Mateo, California. My teaching career spans 17 years and includes experience in both public and private elementary, middle, and high schools.
I began my teaching career as a computer instructor in a variety of public and private elementary schools in the San Francisco Bay Area. At the same time, I began to pursue a multiple subjects teaching credential at San Francisco State University. During my credential program, I worked in private schools as a sixth-grade teacher, math tutor, computer teacher, swim coach, and high school technology coordinator. I completed my student teaching at a public school, Turnbull Learning Academy in San Mateo, California, where I later worked as a 4th/5th grade teacher for five years.
Over the years, I've tried to grow as a teacher in a variety of subject areas. I've participated in the Noyce Foundation's Every Child a Reader and Writer Initiative to develop a reading and writing workshop approach to literacy. I have also participated in the Noyce Foundation's Silicon Valley Math Initiative to develop deeper mathematical understandings and stronger problem-solving skills. I'm particularly interested in learning about strategies to help second language learners in all subject areas. I've participated in various trainings in ELD instruction, frontloading, and differentiated instruction. I've also participated in Lesson Study, a collaborative program with other teachers that aims to analyze instruction and improve it. Recently, I've been attending a variety of International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) trainings with a focus on backward mapping and inquiry throughout the science and social studies curriculum.
Since I'd like to pursue leadership opportunities in education, I plan to obtain a Master's Degree in Education as well as an administrative credential in the future.
Why and how I began to focus on writing
I didn't feel confident as a writer throughout my education. When I suddenly found myself in the position of teaching writing, I didn't feel qualified. I started out using traditional and outdated teaching strategies, but I wasn't seeing good results. I didn't enjoy teaching writing, and my students didn't seem to enjoy writing either.
In order to improve my writing instruction, I knew I had to improve my own writing and analyze the struggles that I, and my students, experience as writers. I started by participating in the Noyce Foundation's Every Child a Reader and Writer Initiative. Through these trainings, I gained new confidence in my ability to teach writing. I began keeping a writing notebook and writing for pleasure. I experienced the joys and struggles of writing myself, and I realized the value of being a writer right along with my students. In my classroom I developed the writing workshop approach, and I found that both my students and I could enjoy writing and learn how to be better writers together.
I'm most interested in helping my students to become better writers of nonfiction (personal memoirs, research reports, informational articles) and essays (persuasive, literary). I believe these genres will be useful for my students in the future. Given our modern access to data, I believe it's critical for student to be able to absorb large amounts of information and to synthesize it into clear, understandable and unique prose.
My history as a writer - strengths and struggles
Writing is a struggle for me - it takes a lot of revision and editing for me to feel good about my pieces. I remember feeling confident and capable as a writer in elementary and middle school. In high school and college, however, I remember receiving more criticism than praise. At that time, I began to feel unable to develop my ideas - I didn't believe in my voice. Writing was not enjoyable for me. Thanks to my professional development as a teacher, I have once again developed confidence in my writing, and I do more writing for enjoyment than ever before. I've kept a journal off and on for the last 20 years and lately I've been writing memoirs about my family and my teaching.
As for strengths, I feel more confident in writing nonfiction pieces. I believe my writing is simple and straightforward. I'm capable of writing interesting nonfiction that is organized, well-developed, and informative. I also believe I'm good at depicting character development and conveying emotions through personal narratives.
A few favorite writers
For my own reading, my favorite authors are Frank McCourt, Dave Eggers, Andrew Sean Greer, and Michael Chabon. My favorite authors for my students are Lemony Snicket, Roald Dahl, Judy Blume, Katherine Paterson, E. L. Konigsburg, Kate DiCamillo, Patricia Polacco, and Cynthia Rylant. ^ close