It is teacher appreciation week. I am grateful for so many teachers. I don't even know where to start. I wanted to take some time to focus on some of the teacher's I've had as an adult and as an educator. Teachers need teachers to help them to continue to grow and learn. The folks listed below have been some of my greatest mentors!
The first teacher I want to thank is Mrs. Carol Fruits. Mrs. Fruits was my cooperating teacher so many years ago. She truly taught me the biggest lessons an educator needs, be passionate about what you do and close your door and do what you know is right for kids. Mrs. Fruits trusted me as a student teacher to make decisions, be creative, and make learning fun! She taught me the joy and love of technology. She made a huge difference in the educator I became. She was a life long learner and instilled that value in me!
The second teacher I want to thank is Mrs. Kim Carter. She was my second principal. She had a great attitude, was spunky, and would do whatever it would take to get students engaged. She taught me the valuable lesson of being able to laugh at myself and have fun with my students. Through the district outdoor education program, she taught me that good leaders get in the trenches, roll up their sleeves, and work along side those they are leading! She also taught me the importance of balancing family and career. She encouraged me to spread my wings and fly. She believed in all her teachers, she knew we could make anything happen. She helped each of us see and reach our own potential. I think she was most instrumental in helping shape the career path I am currently on as an educational technology specialist.
The greatest superintendent I ever had was named Dr. Dennis Lea. He taught me how to dream big and make things happen. He was a kind soul who didn't know the word can't. When he saw an opportunity for his district, nothing could stand in his way. He was in the buildings and involved in what his staff was doing. He asked questions about what was making a difference in the classroom, listened, and supported good teaching practices. He took time out to get to know his teachers. He valued input and recognized teachers as one of the greatest assets to the district. He took chances, listened, and empowered people to be the best they could be.
My eMINTS family teaches me things every day! As an eMINTS teacher, my instructional specialist Kathy Wagoner and Cara Wylie helped me transform my classroom into a project-based, technology rich environment for students. Lori Kaplan was my PD4ETS trainer and helped me learn to facilitate adult learners and coach vs consult. Monica Beglau was the executive director of the eMINTS National Center. She taught me about perseverance. She also taught me the fine art of building the plane while flying it. My supervisor, Jennifer Kuehnle taught me about standing up for what is right and staying true to my core beliefs. I've learned so many things from my fellow EIS and AIS. Being an eMINTS instructional specialist has given me the joy of being a learner everyday!
Finally a thanks to Carol Simoneau who was my mentor as I worked to become a Cognitive Coaching (SM) Agency trainer. She taught me the craft of coaching and facilitating Cognitive Coaching(SM). She also taught me about being a self-actualizer.
I have been fortunate to have many terrific leaders, mentors, and teachers. I am grateful for the friendship, collaboration, and opportunities they have given me! Thanks to all my teachers, thanks to my friends!
The first teacher I want to thank is Mrs. Carol Fruits. Mrs. Fruits was my cooperating teacher so many years ago. She truly taught me the biggest lessons an educator needs, be passionate about what you do and close your door and do what you know is right for kids. Mrs. Fruits trusted me as a student teacher to make decisions, be creative, and make learning fun! She taught me the joy and love of technology. She made a huge difference in the educator I became. She was a life long learner and instilled that value in me!
The second teacher I want to thank is Mrs. Kim Carter. She was my second principal. She had a great attitude, was spunky, and would do whatever it would take to get students engaged. She taught me the valuable lesson of being able to laugh at myself and have fun with my students. Through the district outdoor education program, she taught me that good leaders get in the trenches, roll up their sleeves, and work along side those they are leading! She also taught me the importance of balancing family and career. She encouraged me to spread my wings and fly. She believed in all her teachers, she knew we could make anything happen. She helped each of us see and reach our own potential. I think she was most instrumental in helping shape the career path I am currently on as an educational technology specialist.
The greatest superintendent I ever had was named Dr. Dennis Lea. He taught me how to dream big and make things happen. He was a kind soul who didn't know the word can't. When he saw an opportunity for his district, nothing could stand in his way. He was in the buildings and involved in what his staff was doing. He asked questions about what was making a difference in the classroom, listened, and supported good teaching practices. He took time out to get to know his teachers. He valued input and recognized teachers as one of the greatest assets to the district. He took chances, listened, and empowered people to be the best they could be.
My eMINTS family teaches me things every day! As an eMINTS teacher, my instructional specialist Kathy Wagoner and Cara Wylie helped me transform my classroom into a project-based, technology rich environment for students. Lori Kaplan was my PD4ETS trainer and helped me learn to facilitate adult learners and coach vs consult. Monica Beglau was the executive director of the eMINTS National Center. She taught me about perseverance. She also taught me the fine art of building the plane while flying it. My supervisor, Jennifer Kuehnle taught me about standing up for what is right and staying true to my core beliefs. I've learned so many things from my fellow EIS and AIS. Being an eMINTS instructional specialist has given me the joy of being a learner everyday!
Finally a thanks to Carol Simoneau who was my mentor as I worked to become a Cognitive Coaching (SM) Agency trainer. She taught me the craft of coaching and facilitating Cognitive Coaching(SM). She also taught me about being a self-actualizer.
I have been fortunate to have many terrific leaders, mentors, and teachers. I am grateful for the friendship, collaboration, and opportunities they have given me! Thanks to all my teachers, thanks to my friends!