Showcase

For a Wicked Problem project, my partner and I focused on the complex issue of achievement gaps in Title 1 schools. A wicked problem is a challenge that’s difficult or impossible to solve completely because of its complex, interconnected causes. In this case, the achievement gap touches on systemic, social, and cultural factors that don’t have one clear solution. We used Canva to create an interactive slideshow (which was somewhat new to me) and incorporated videos to make the presentation more engaging. At first, figuring out how to make the slides cohesive while still highlighting the complexity of the issue was a challenge, but through collaboration, we pulled it all together.  In this project, I demonstrated my ability to collaborate effectively, research complex topics, and use new tools to present information creatively. We explored causes like socioeconomic inequalities, then brainstormed possible solutions—such as partnerships with local businesses, educational technology, and extra tutoring programs. This project really pushed me to think critically about real-world education issues and how creative solutions can help make a difference.

One of the last projects I completed in Ireland for MAET was the Team Teaching presentation. I collaborated with two peers to introduce our classmates to a new tool none of us had used before—StoryBird. We designed an interactive slideshow that walked everyone through the platform, starting with a short demo video from StoryBird’s website. We then led an activity where participants created their own digital books.  To keep things engaging, we encouraged movement by having peers write down pros and cons of the tool on sticky notes and post them around the room. We ended with a group discussion, connecting our experiences to research. Afterward, I wrote a blog post reflecting on the process, and I was proud of how it turned out. It showcased my ability to analyze my work thoughtfully, recognizing both successes and areas to grow—something I’m learning is just as important as the project itself.

With this project, I was given the opportunity to form a special interest group with partners of my choice while studying in Ireland. We chose to focus on Ethical and Effective AI in the classroom, a topic that immediately caught our interest. We wanted to explore how AI can be integrated into education while maintaining ethical standards and ensuring positive learning outcomes. Together, we created a poster that highlights key aspects such as AI literacy for educators and students, best practices for AI prompting, ethical considerations like data privacy and bias, and practical applications within the classroom. In this artifact, I demonstrate my ability to collaborate with peers and present complex information in a creative yet accessible way. Through this project, I expanded my understanding of AI’s role in education and reflected on the importance of guiding students to use these tools responsibly. This experience helped me think critically about the ethical challenges and opportunities AI presents in modern classrooms.

​Access this blog post through the "Blog" tab at the top of the page, or use this link!

The Maker's Project was an assignment where I was tasked with developing a hands-on, interactive lesson plan that would engage students in learning something new. At the beginning, I really struggled to come up with an idea. I sat there, feeling frustrated, convinced I wasn’t creative enough to make something work. I couldn’t think of a solid concept for the interactive lesson I was tasked with creating. Eventually, after a lot of brainstorming and trial and error, I couldn’t decide between two ideas, so I ended up doing both! The first was the Fraction Flower Project, where students designed flowers using petals that represented different fractions, ensuring the fractions added up to a whole. The second was the Fraction Feast Pizza Project, where students used fraction cards to determine how much of a pizza each topping covered. I was nervous about being in Ireland without my usual supplies, unsure whether I could make both projects work in the classroom. But through planning and creativity, I was able to create lessons that were not only educational but also fun and engaging. Presenting both at the Maker’s Fair allowed me to showcase different ways to teach fractions and see how each project inspired learning in others. It was a fun time, and a wonderful way to end my time in Ireland. We all had a blast together, and the experience gave me confidence in using more hands-on activities in future lessons.

For this project, I had the opportunity to create a detailed visual representation of Experiential Learning using David Kolb's learning cycle. I was excited to explore this topic as it aligns with my interest in how hands-on learning experiences can foster deeper understanding in educational settings. I created a poster that breaks down the key components of the Experiential Learning Cycle, from Concrete Experience to Active Experimentation, while also highlighting how this theory connects to the Maker Movement. The poster also includes examples, benefits of experiential learning, and how it applies to real-world situations. In this artifact, I demonstrate my ability to communicate complex ideas through a visually engaging format that helps others grasp the connection between theory and practice. Through this project, I deepened my understanding of Experiential Learning and its importance in educational settings, while also reflecting on how I can apply this knowledge to enhance my future teaching strategies.

​Access this blog post through the "Blog" tab at the top of the page, or use this link!

I got the chance before I even started teaching to create a fun, interactive way to introduce myself and set the tone for my classroom. So, over the summer, I put together a digital "start kit" that helped me compile everything I needed for the first days of school in one spot.  The project kicks off with an "About Me" slide filled with pictures and fun facts about my favorite things, like colors and movies. I also created a slide with emojis and icons that represent who I am, which gave me a chance to share a little of my personality and invite students to do the same.  One of the key elements is our Class Constitution, which I printed out for students to sign. It helps create a sense of ownership in the classroom. I also created a Good Morning Slides PowerPoint to guide students through their morning routine, along with name tags and a student survey to learn about their interests.  Finally, I included the school’s Welcome Back Letter, which helped me communicate expectations for the year ahead.  This project was a great way to have everything organized and ready, setting the stage for a positive and engaging start to the school year.