Teaching Introduction
I began teaching as an accident! I was a teaching assistant when I attended MSJC at the beginning of my education. When I graduated, the teacher I had assisted asked me if I was interested in teaching. I thought, sure, how hard can that be? After my first semester I realized just how naive I really was. But, I didn't let that stop me. I continued to learn and grow as a teacher, realizing how much I loved it. Throughout my career in education I have worked in many different positions: as an instructor, a budget manager, professional development event coordinator, workshop facilitator, and now I am working for a grant as a coordinator for an Online Teaching Certification program. I really enjoy teaching online, but embrace the unique environment of the classroom as well.
I believe in the power of experience learning. Don't get me wrong, I think that formal education is important, but (in my opinion) the way we deliver formal education is broken. Educators are in a unique position at this point in time - technology is infiltrating every aspect of our daily lives, but seems to be lagging in education. I feel that we HAVE to infuse our courses with technology - and find ways to relate to students that make sense to them and engage them in the learning process. Just because "this is the way we have always done it," doesn't mean that it is the best way to do it today! A few years ago I saw this video (Changing Education Paradigms) and it changed my whole perspective on the way I teach (and learn). Next to that video is a video (What Teachers Make) by a Teacher/Comedian that really sums up how I feel about teaching. I believe that the next Steve Jobs, or Mark Zuckerberg could be in my class, and I could be the inspiration or encouragement for that person to achieve greatness! I hope you enjoy the videos, and they have an impact on you like they did on me! |
Great book Best Practices for Teaching with Emerging Technologies written by a Friend of mine, Michelle Pakansky-Brock. I'm mentioned for my innovative use of Animoto in the classroom on page 87. |
Personal Introduction
I was raised in a tiny little town, Miranda, in Northern California. When I lived there the population was 350 people. The high school I attended, South Fork High, was located in the town, served the entire southern half of the county, and only had about 500 students (in the whole school!). We used to joke that the population of the town was only 350 when school was in session. :o) When I was a kid I thought it was the worst place in the world to grow up. There was nothing to do and the closest town was an hour away - and it was only the size of Temecula. But, looking back on it now, it was amazing.
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When I was 16 I lost my mother to breast cancer, and a year later I lost my father to liver disease. I had big plans to go to college and be a biological scientist; but after my parents passed away I was on my own and really confused about what to do with my life. So where do you go, and what do you do with your life when you have no direction? You join the military, of course! I some how found my way to the US Marine Corps. :o)
I went to bootcamp when I was 18 at Parris Island, South Carolina. While I was there I suffered an intense injury of a fractured pelvic bone. However, I was a Marine so I didn't let it stop me from training - actually I didn't know that was the problem, I just thought I had a pulled muscle, torn tendon, or something like that, so I never had an x-ray or MRI. After bootcamp I trained as a heavy equipment (construction/diesel) mechanic at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. While at my training school I met my future husband (although I didn't know it then). After school, my first duty station was in Okinawa, Japan. I loved Japan - and would have done my entire 4 year enlistment there if they had let me! In Japan I found out the extent of my original injury after some subsequent injuries. I was sent to Camp Pendelton to be processed for medical separation - but in the mean time I was attached to a unit as a Maintenance Management Supervisor. When it came time for me to be discharged my superior officers wouldn't let me go, so I finished my 4 year enlistment on a limited duty status.
During this time I reconnected with my husband and we got married. We moved to beautiful (and by beautiful I mean HOT) Menifee in 2003 and have called it home ever since. We enjoy camping and riding off-road in the desert.
Education
Master of Science in Education
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN FOR ONLINE LEARNING SPECIALIZATION
Capella University
2015
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN FOR ONLINE LEARNING SPECIALIZATION
Capella University
2015
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS SPECIALIZATION
California State University San Marcos
2013
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS SPECIALIZATION
California State University San Marcos
2013
Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems
C++ PROGRAMMING SPECIALIZATION
Mt. San Jacinto College
2005
C++ PROGRAMMING SPECIALIZATION
Mt. San Jacinto College
2005
Associate of Science in Business Administration
ACCOUNTING SPECIALIZATION
Mt. San Jacinto College
2005
ACCOUNTING SPECIALIZATION
Mt. San Jacinto College
2005