Hitting the Jackpot means that you have been extremely lucky- unexpectedly. In many ways, I feel like I have hit the jackpot already. I come from a supportive family, I have love in my life, health and stability. I feel that I hit the jackpot because I found someone who I am willing to share the next amazing steps in my life with and keep these great aspects growing. 🙂
This statement almost seems like an oxymoron. Since I began working full time, coaching three volleyball seasons in the year and attending grad school, keeping it all in check has been a challenge. Unfortunately, by making sure I have enough time for work and family, I have not been able to keep in touch with as many friends as I like. I try and make myself feel better by saying that everyone goes through this when you’re an adult- but is this true? I’m sure the balancing act will become easier once I graduate, but then starting a family of my own comes into play. I guess I’m just going to have to become an expert juggler 🙂
Since I was younger, I had a goal to be able to take care of myself and feel like I’m on my own by a certain age. At 25 years old, I can say that I am working full time, own my car, live outside of my parents home and am able to pay my own bills. I’m extremely satisfied with where I am at this point in time, and hope to continue to strive for more elusive goals.
Social networking services enroll millions of users on a daily basis. Social network sharing has become a routine way of life for many students, and certain educators are looking to harness this feature. These are tools can be an innovative and extremely useful tool in the educational setting. When used properly, educators have to opportunity to engage students and colleagues through various methods. Currently, the teaching profession is undergoing transformations in many ways in efforts to increase student learning. Why not lead the way and use modern day resources to revamp education?
I for one am for using modern technology like social networking in the classroom. All the students use these technologies everyday- why not hone in on what seems to be something here to stay? As with any social networking, keeping it professional and school appropriate is key.
During my interview prior to getting hired by my school district was “How are you going to revamp the HACS classes at Clarke?” Being a young teacher, I know that my administrators are looking to me to break out of the “we only bake and sew” mentality. I incorporate power point presentations to my students, video clips and how to’s, use my video camera and windows movie maker to edit skits and much more. My wish is to one day have a Smart board in my classroom. I am looking into incorporating Edmodo or a personal HACS website for my department to share with parents and the school community all the fun and exciting events in my class. If you have additional ideas please let me know!
I think this topic is very interesting just based on the fact that students’ memories of teachers are usually for either very good reasons or very bad reasons. My most vivid memories of teachers are probably from elementary school. I cannot pin point one specific teacher, but I seem to remember the majority of my teachers for a reason- they all seemed to genuinely care for me. I don’t know if it was because of the nurturing environment or the comfort of being in one classroom, but I can recall certain aspects from every elementary class I was in. Whether it was singing my heart out in music, or feeling like I was on top of the world because I could name each of the 50 states during a social studies lesson- elementary school holds fond memories for me. I hope to create those types of memories for my own students one day.
Many people like to blame their upbringing or family adversity for their lack of success. I believe that is no excuse. This country is built on people having a dream and overcoming obstacles to obtain it.
I would love to write about using past experiences that may not be ideal, and turning them into a strengths. Growing up, my family may have not had the most money or the white picket fence, however if you knew me, you would never guessed that. I did my very best to become actively involved in the school community, surrounded myself with positive influences and friends and remained focused on a common goal = success. The book would be about the satisfactions of setting precedents in a family and the effects it has. Out of my five siblings I am the first to graduate college, first to travel the world, etc. Today, my younger brother is following the example I’ve made, and will be graduating from NYU in the spring. In addition, he has been traveling all over the world.
The Common Core Standards are used in various subjects in an effort to ensure students are college and career ready by the time of high school graduation. This term is a major focus within the East Meadow school district this year. Administrators are pushing the incorporation of literacy in every subject taught at Clarke Middle School. It is my goal to have my students reading, writing, speaking and using language efficiently in my class- even it is is not ELA. Students should be practicing these skills constantly, especially because of the lack of proper grammar use due to “texting” and face book. Goals for the Common Core Standards are to for students to demonstrate independence, strong content knowledge, etc.
Passions are things in people’s lives that give them pleasure, love doing and provides quality of life. Personally, I have what I consider to be very particular passions. First and foremost, I am extremely passionate about travel and experiencing the world and its multitude of cultures first hand. Within the past seven years, I have traveled to Greece twice, Italy, Spain, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Las Vegas, California and Florida just to name a few. To put it mildly, you can say I have the “travel bug.” Instead of going on shopping sprees, I worked hard and saved money to continue my travels. One of the benefits of being a teacher is having the time to provide this opportunity. You can guess what I will be using my summer vacations to do J.
In addition, I am passionate striving for excellence. Since I was young, whatever I set my mind to, I always wanted to be on top. This idea and self attitude has followed me into adulthood. I am known for having a competitive attitude that doesn’t stop until I succeed. Unfortunately, this passion has caused me some frustration, because you cannot always be the “winner.” However, I will continue to use this as my motto, “If you’re going to do something, you might as well do it right.”
Lastly, my family means the world to me. Growing up, I have learned numerous life lessons from the people around me. I will strive to teach the value of family and tradition one day when I have my own.
Since I can remember, I have always been a goal oriented person. From a young age, I remember wanting to map out everything in my future and being at the top. That plan worked out pretty well until I reached my freshman year of college. The path suddenly wasn’t so clear.
For the first time in my life, I did not have a “plan.” I went to school at the University of Central Florida as an undeclared major. Taking elective classes which may not have counted towards credit frustrated me, so I transferred back home and continued my education at Nassau Community College. Studying at Nassau Community College gave me the opportunity to earn an Associates degree and explore my interests simultaneously without “breaking the bank.” I played for the college volleyball team (athletics is one of my passions) and realized I had a great interest in health, child psychology, food and nutrition. Upon graduating, I transferred to Hofstra University and began my degree in Health education.
A career as a Health educator meant teaching children about life skills to become a responsible adult. The idea of having a career where I can impact the lives of many and create lasting memories was a perfect suit. In addition, I am able to share my passion of athletics and extra-curricular activities through coaching and advising clubs. I knew I wanted to give back because some of my greatest memories happened in the school setting.
Life is unpredictable and you must learn to be able to deal with the curve balls. I was determined to do whatever it takes to compete in the education field. After coaching and substitute teaching for a year with no job luck, I decided to get an additional certification in Family and Consumer Sciences. I felt it was in my best bet to increase my eligibility in this difficult job market. The similarities between both subject areas are plentiful. Lo and behold, I am now teaching Home and Career Skills at Clarke Middle School in the East Meadow School District and loving every aspect of the curriculum. I enjoy the creative range in our field and the true importance of the skills learned in class. Home and Careers is a subject that students remember into adulthood. I take pride of the impact I am and continue to make in my student’s lives.
