Taking classes in technology integration, I finally feel like I am not behind the eight ball. Way back in 1993 when I was graduating UMASS with my bachelor's degree in early childhood education, my professors assured my graduating class that Massachusetts was about to have a "teacher defecit," and we would all be able to choose from any job we wanted. That never happended, except for those of us who went into special ed. I chose to focus on nursery school and pre-school age children, and spent my pre-children days working in day care centers, pre-schools, and directing a synagogue nursery school.
My return to public education was as a paraprofessional (such a stupid word, implying that we are not quite professional) at a high school where my sister taught in the special educaiton department. I worked in her classroom and in another classroom. I applied very reluctantly - I loved three- and four-year olds, so how could I relate to high school students? I loved it instantly. I think as my own sons grew older, it felt more rewarding to work with older students. I could relate to them and really enjoyed working with them. Now I am in my third year as a para at a different high school - the school where my older son is a sophomore and my younger son will be a freshman next year. I love what I do, which is working in a support program for kids with emotional and behavioral needs. It is a classroom in which the kids will tell you exactly how they feel about things, and it is a fun, exciting and refreshing space in which to work....usually! I have considered becoming a regular-education classroom teacher, but I think it's not for me. I love technology and really want to explore how it can be used to enhance curriculum in every discipline. I am interested in assistive technology, but really passionate about opening up learning in a whole new direction and using technology to do it. With standardized testing ruling education, I think our whole public school system in Massachusetts is teetering on the edge of massive, organic change. I hope it's in the right direction, one of open-source education, creative project-based learning, and student-directed exploration. I know that some teachers are scornful of technology in the classroom. They were all given iPads a year ago (with little-to-no training or education in using it) and many resent the implication that they should be using them. I don't blame them, but it makes me sad to hear it. I think classroom teachers need education and support in learning how to implement technology in their classrooms. We need leadership in showing our teachers the future of technology in the classroom, and someone needs to walk beside them as they navigate a new educational space. It doesn't imply that the way they are currently teaching is lacking, it is a sign that we, as educators, are open to see the changes and exciting possibilities ahead. Our district just hired a technology integration specialist, a job that I will be qualified to do when I graduate from the program that I am in right now. I don't know if that's the job I want - it's a job with which I want to work closely. I am excited about the curriculum possibilities, and tools and practices. I am looking forward to seeing what possible opportunities are in place when I finish my courses. In the meantime, I try to share my excitement and enthusiasm about our current technology with the teachers and students with whom I am currently working!
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AuthorMom to two sons, married 23 years to college sweetie. Instructional Technology Specialist for a vocational high school. Educator for 20+ years. Love to read, do anything crafty, and spend time with friends and family. Passionate about education, technology, and the combination of the two! I'm a proud foster-failure with Big Fluffy Dog Rescue, having fallen head-over-heels for our first foster and adopting her :) Archives
September 2017
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