I began teaching five years ago at Maritime Academy Charter High School  in Philadelphia, PA. Growing up, I always wanted to become a teacher. I loved learning and I loved school. I consider myself lucky that I knew what I wanted to do at an early age.

I went to college for two years at Pace University in Upstate New York. I wanted to get away and experienced a culture shock when I arrived. I was able to gain experience in many schools I would never have the opportunity to otherwise. After being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, I transferred closer to home and continued my education at Temple University. I did my student teaching at George Washington Carver in Algebra II and Pre-Calculus  classes. While I learned a lot, I never felt like it was my classroom and hence didn’t really learn how to “teach” the lessons. I did what I believed my mentor teacher wanted me to do.

After graduating, my goal was to teach at an underprivileged school. I knew it was going to be a challenge but it was a challenge I was willing to take. Maritime is about 95% under the poverty line. I absolutely loved the students and want to be able to provide them with the best education I can. Many of them are looking for someone that they can trust and I feel that I can be that person for many of them. Being a school with that high of poverty posed many issues. These issues allow me to appreciate my job and also to gain understanding from my students about their lives. All students have the ability to learn, but some are born with instant disadvantages. I feel that many of these  students take a little more encouraging than others that are expected to attend college. During my five years at Maritime, I taught tenth grade Geometry, eleventh  grade Algebra II, and twelfth grade Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry and AP Calculus.

I recently finished studying in Ireland to get my Master’s in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. It was a great opportunity and I was able to learn many tools to enhance my teaching. I try to bring everything I have learned back to my classroom in what ever way that I can.

Teaching is where I belong. I cannot think of anything I would rather do.

 

Final Reflection-

My first year of  MAETy1 felt like it took forever, but it was only a month. I enrolled into this program to become a better teacher and that is what happened.  The passion that surrounded me in the classroom everyday was uplifting. My colleagues are so supportive and open to others opinions and ideas. When people would make suggestions, I was always curious as to how I would be able to try it out in my classroom. I will go back to teaching with many new skills. Video, apps, and project ideas will improve my teaching and my students. The MAET program is an amazing program and I am so happy to be  involved.

Pictures-

Future Next Exit

Duperrin, B. (2013, August 6). The future of social business : platform, system, and verticality. Bertrand Duperrins Notepad. Retrieved July 12, 2014, from http://www.duperrin.com/english/2013/08/06/social-business-platform-system-verticality-mobility-data/

Toolbox

The question What’s in Your Toolbox? asking if you have the skills… (n.d.). 123RF Stock Photos. Retrieved July 12, 2014, from http://www.123rf.com/photo_21642421_the-question-what-s-in-your-toolbox-asking-if-you-have-the-skills-and-experience-necessary-to-perfor.html

Digital Toolkit

Sharp, J. (2013, August 7). Getting Started. Elearningclassroom. Retrieved July 12, 2014, from http://elearningclassroom.wikispaces.com/Digital+Toolkit

Hands holding world

RedAdmin. (2012, April 20). Modern Technology reshaping Global Market. Retrieved July 12, 2014, from http://www.redsignal.biz/: http://www.redsignal.biz/blog/modern-technology-reshaping-global-market/

Inspritation quote

William Arthur Ward. (n.d.). BrainyQuote.com. Retrieved July 12, 2014, from BrainyQuote.com Web site: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/williamart103463.html