About Me

I am the daughter of a retired Army Special Forces soldier and multi-talented cosmetologist, wife of a surfer and mother of 3 children. I consider myself a lifelong learner. I was born in Japan, toured England with the North Carolina Teaching Fellows, and spent Christmas with relatives in Mexico. I consider North Carolina my home and love the comforts of living on the coast.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Middle Grades Education and History from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Upon my expected graduation from the Masters of Instructional Technology program at UNCW in December 2005, I hope to continue my studies in the field of technology and education. I hope to have impact on public education either in the K-12 or university level. I believe that education is the basis of all life in all cultures and want it to be a focal point of my life.

During my first year teaching 8th grade social studies and language arts, a computer resource teacher pulled me aside and showed me some activities that could easily teach word processing skills as well as teach my curriculum. This type of technology integration was not part of my middle grades training in college. It was a new concept to me and pushed me into a new direction. I bought a computer that same year and tried to use it for every aspect of my job as a teacher. Five years later I was our school’s Teacher of the Year, advisor to the yearbook staff, student government, team leader, and ready to move on for more opportunities. I wanted to work with technology so I became a computer resource teacher.

I have been a Computer Resource Teacher at Trask Middle School since 1999. I provide technology staff development and computer hardware, software, and minor networking support. It is an excellent position for me at this time because it allows me to combine my skills as a teacher with my love for technology and continuous learning.

Our school system is progressive and many changes occur every year that increase the use of technology in all departments. This makes my job challenging and dynamic.

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Philosophy of Instructional Technology

I consider it my mission to help create a community where the focus is learning and achieving for every person and this includes the classroom teachers.  As a technology resource teacher I believe instructional technology increases my efficiency and effectiveness.

I believe that teachers should focus on instruction that promotes real-world problem solving and the use of technology in a seamless manner. To achieve these goals, I provide instructional and technical support and model my best teaching practices in my training.  Providing monthly staff development is a primary strategy of mine.  Regularly scheduled training provides the newest knowledge and skills that assists in teaching the NC Standard Course of Study while using technology tools.  It is ongoing and develops habits, which keep technology in the classroom as much as possible. I prefer to make myself available both at home and at work for these teachers because I know that being a good trainer and resource teacher means that I must be flexible and supportive.

Professional Career Goals

I plan to continue working in public school and would also like to teach in a university teaching classroom teachers and students who are preparing to become part of the K-12 school systems. I want to have experience teaching web-enhanced and fully online web courses as well.

It is also a high priority of mine to be resourceful and proficient in the innovation of technology instruction. I would like to be familiar with instructional strategies that are specifically helpful to teachers and university professors in the integration of technology in their fields.  I plan to work with educators to improve their effectiveness as instructors.

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