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As a native of Colquitt County and a graduate from the school system, I have always loved the smell of new books, the look of a freshly cleaned chalkboard, and the feel of a well-organized classroom. Those things and the teachers I encountered early in my educational experience cemented my desire to be an educator.
Although many schools no longer have physical textbooks, chalkboards, or even a traditional classroom setup, my desire to educate remains firm.
My husband, Steven, and I live and work in Moultrie. I'm headed into my 28th year in education while my husband has been an employee of Colquitt Regional Medical Center for over 10 years. Our son, Sam (18), is currently pursuing a BIology degree at Valdosta State University. My oldest son,Dakotah (29), currently lives in Orlando,Fl. working as a dispatcher.
Both my husband and I work in technology at our respective jobs and it is very much a part of our daily lives. It is even how we met - online in World of Warcraft! I love to read, especially fantasy books, and watch nearly any British television show. One day I hope to visit to see some of the sights shared in some of my favorite series that also include Game of Thrones.
In my current position, I work with teachers at CCHS to integrate instructional resources while preparing those students for their personal +1 journey and to have the technology skills that will require. I also work with school registrars to help curate resources and provide guidance to them for their many required tasks within the student information system. I work closely with our SIS Coordinator to share information with stakeholders so that schedules and services are reported correctly.
As an Instructional Technology Specialist, I also work with curriculum leaders to build units that meet the Common Core standards, develop resources and lessons that integrate technology, and strive to positively impact instruction at all schools within Colquitt County. I often teach guest lessons in other teachers’ classrooms, as well as teaching Professional Development courses or other specific onsite trainings. Whether dealing with adult learners or students, my goal as an educator is to meet my students’ needs. Flexibility and differentiated instruction is crucial for helping students succeed. I aim to be a positive influence in the lives of the students and teachers with whom I work and provide them with the confidence and instructional support to know that they are capable of learning new things. I love to learn new things, and I endeavor to instill that desire to learn in my own students by providing a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment.
I have worked as an Instructional Technology Specialist since 2009. Prior to that time, I taught Kindergarten in Vivian, Louisiana, as well as first grade and third grade in Colquitt County. I have also served as an Academic Coach for Colquitt County Schools. I earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, a master's degree in early childhood education, and specialist degree and certification in Instructional Technology. I also recently gained my ESOL certification. Although I am no longer a classroom teacher in the traditional sense, I enjoy the challenge of visiting new classrooms, learning from the different students and teachers, and implementing the new curriculum and technology. As a teacher, I am always reading and investigating research and resources that will help to increase my depth of knowledge and further my understanding of instructional technology as it relates to the classroom and learners of today. My personal education goals are to continue to grow as an advocate for K-12 Instructional Technology in Colquitt County Schools while providing positive, compassionate, and effective support for all students and educators and to support our Student Information school staff with their immensely important duties that include scheduling and updating student information.
Meeting with retired ITS (& my former 8th grade librarian) G. Spurlock
With my Kindergarten Teacher, elementary librarian, and friend, Julie Strickland
Sam and a friend learning about video creation and editing in RBW Tech Club.
Learning about Student Privacy with ITS Cindy Walsh at GAETC 2018
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