CIDRE Portfolio
CIDRE Portfolio
Embedded Files
My name is Natasha Wilson. I am an Assistant Principal at Millbrook High School. I have been an administrator for 7 years. I have taught elementary and middle school prior to becoming an administrator. I am an empty nester and enjoy my free time. I enjoy spending time with family, water aerobics, exploring new culture themes, traveling, and relaxing at home. I consider myself a lifelong learner and super excited to have an opportunity to explore Austria this summer. I am looking forward to learning about the culture, food, art, music, learning from my group members and the locals in the area.
Written Reflections:
1. One Austrian Education System Reflection: Initial Teacher Education Framework Report: Austria
Before reading the article I didn't have any prior knowledge regarding the Austrian school system or the process of preparing teachers to work in the school system in Austria. There were some similarities and differences to the USA and a few surprises I learned during my reading. In Austria decision-making is shared across central government, the provinces, municipalities and schools. Important players in the administration of the education system are school boards,who often are the link between the federal (macro) level and the local (micro) level. This is similar to the education system in USA however in North Carolina we don't have provinces and the states are primarily responsible for overseeing public education. State governments determine how much of the budget will be used for education funding which is typically the largest line item in an annual state budget. According to the article. The Austrian Education system is regulated by the Federal Government and mainly comes under the remit of the Education Ministry (BMBWF). The ministry is responsible for school inspection, the development of education standards and national tests,as well as for developing national policies for the improvement of education quality (OECD, 2017,p. 13). Our federal government most often fund schools, while states and local governments set and enforce policies however following No Child Left Behind, the federal government also sets standards for the country.
In Austria, schools are the place of practical training, which is called Induction. Graduates of ITE programs (BEd, Master) enter the Induction phase with a contract of employment, thus Induction is not pre-service any more, but already in-service based on the article. This is similar to the US schools where our first year teachers in NC are referred to as BT (Beginner Teachers). They recieve training at the universities and 4 year colleges they attend however usually BT's are required to practice their teaching for a year at a school in the grade level they wish to teach referred to as student teaching. The article mentions that the most important people are the mentors: In Austria,graduates entering the Induction phase are accompanied by a mentor with whom they cooperate and to whose instructions they refer to. This is similar to the NC school system in that Beginner Teachers (BT's) are paired up with veteran teachers called mentors during their first three yeart of teaching. This is critical to the development and growth of our Beginner Teachers since the idea is to retain and support these teachers and to help them plan and design lessons and more importantly reflect on their practice with the idea of growth as a teacher in the classroom.
2. One Film Review
I enjoyed the film especially because I was unfamiliar with the story and artist Klimt. The movie gave me some background and introduction to the history of the story behind Maria. I thought the two actors worked well together to convey the story and including context of past events in the movie gave me a deeper understanding of the scenes that were occuring in the present. This is my synopsis of the movie: Sixty years after fleeing Vienna, Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), an elderly Jewish woman, attempts to reclaim family possessions that were seized by the Nazis. Among them is a famous portrait of Maria's beloved Aunt Adele: Gustave Klimt's "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I." With the help of young lawyer Randy Schoeberg (Ryan Reynolds), Maria embarks upon a lengthy legal battle to recover this painting and several others, but it will not be easy, for Austria considers them national treasures. I thought the movie was inspirational because Maria was willing to fight for her family's heritage although there were many roadblocks along the way. The dramatic scenes were not substantial to capture the intensity of the events that took place to many Jewish individuals and families however there were some scenes that provoked family and ancestral themes. Helen Mirren is magnificent at the persistent and persuasive woman who refused to give up on justice which is what I admired the most in the movie. Woman in Gold is just but one story in the ongoing battle for the return of stolen artwork during the Holocaust however I am certain there are many more. The script didn't lend itself to intense scenes that depicted harsher struggles among the Jewish however it was a soft peak for people like myself who didn't have the background knowledge of this story. In the end, the performances and the subject create an inspirational film. [Helen] Mirren is flawless, in turns feisty and dignified, and she elevates this simplistic biopic material into something moderately engaging. Mirren and Reynolds play off each other nicely. A big part of what makes Woman in Gold work is the meaningful connection based in family pride and righting the wrongs of the past that develops between Mirren's character and Randol. I would recommended Woman in Gold to the audience. It was a story about justice, the importance of family, and reconciling the past and present.
3. One Book Review
The Only Woman in the Room was a great book. I enjoyed it despite the time period and complex vocabulary utilized throughout the book. Here is my summary: Hedy Lamarr's beauty almost certainly saved her from the rising Nazi party and led to marriage with an Austrian arms dealer however underestimated in everything else, she overheard the Third Reich's plans while at her husband's side, understanding more than anyone would guess. She devised a plan to flee in disguise from their castle, and the whirlwind escape landed her in Hollywood. She became Hedy Lamarr, screen star. But she kept a secret more shocking than her heritage or her marriage: she was a scientist and she knew a few secrets about the enemy. She had an idea that might help the country fight the Nazis...if anyone would listen to her. A powerful novel based on the incredible true story of the glamour icon and scientist. So interesting to see what this multi-faceted woman was able to accomplish in her life with little formal education. I found myself upset by her treatment by the navy who refused to consider her invention simply because she was a woman although women have progressed since this time period there are still many instances where women are still considered second class. But what a waste of a brilliant mind, as she allowed that rejection to stop her from pursuing any other ideas in her long life. I did not know the story of Hedy Lamarr. What an amazing life she had - from a 19 year old actress, wife of Mandle, contract actress, movie star, inventor and bond salesperson. Her intelligence, strength and resilience were remarkable. The author did a good job describing each stage of her life and the challenges she overcame. I learned a lot about Hedy Lamar and how much her intellect and desire to contribute to improve the lives of others was under appreciated. No surprise that a woman was underappreciated but I was very glad to have her story told and known after all these years. A surprising story about a beautiful woman and her life during the years leading up to WW II, the rise of Adolph Hitler and the change of politics and life in Austria. The woman who escaped her marriage to a cruel, domineering man and fled to America. The woman became a famous movie actress and also became an inventor of scientific methods designed to help the military. Told from the Austrian side of the beginning of WW2, this novel shares the tale of a woman and her involvement - bringing in her ancestry, her gender, and her experience in media. An interesting viewpoint, and at times quite exciting, but somewhat falters toward the end… Who knew that Hedy Lamarr was such a brilliant woman? Her flight from her abusive arms dealing first husband and from her beloved Austria is memorable. This book is more biography than historical fiction. It’s very good. Hedy’s acting skills keep her alive in the many roles she ‘plays’ as she transforms herself over and over in order to survive. Her beauty and intellect help her defy the many men in her life who only see her outward features of gorgeous hair, fantastic figure, stunning face and style. Hedy Lamarr’s determination and the pure persistence required to become a successful movie star and inventor earn her hero status.
The Theater ad ner Wien is a historic theatre in Vienna located on the left Wienzeile in the Mariahilf district. Completed in 1801 the theater has hosted the premieres of many celebrated works of theatre, opera, and symphonic music. Since 2006 is has served primarily as an opera house, and symphonic house. The Theater is currently under construction.
5. Two Visual Thinking Analyses
#1.
I choose to write about is the tribute to the Pamataj Holocaust Memorial during our visit to Bratislava. The tour guide provided great information about this site and showed us the freeway that was built in these previous neighborhoods. For centuries Bratislava has been an important center of Jewish life. The Jewish presence in the medieval city. The Jews were expelled from the city on several occasions. Jews were forced to live in segregated places in a narrow zone and were forced to live in an area under the jurisdiction of the castle. Most of Bratislava’s Jews were killed in the Holocaust but it was not until several years after World War II that most of the city’s Jewish built history was destroyed. This piece is a tribute to all the lives that were lost due to the Holocaust.
Pamataj Holocaust Memorial in Bratislava, Slovakia
Roman Catholic Church in Mariazell Basilika
#2
I chose the photo from our visit to the town of Mariazelle Basilika because of it's beauty, historical and religious context and the overall feeling that I felt while visiting the church. The church building stood tall with a gothic spire, a baroque tower, the nave was lengthened and widened, and a dome was added on the eastern side. The high altar, consecrated in 1704, was designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. The twelve side chapels each contain a baroque altar.I chose the photo from the church today at the Mariazell Basilika because of it's beauty, history, and the overall feeling that I felt while visiting the church in Mariazell today. left and right of the gothic spire, a baroque tower was built, the nave was lengthened and widened, and a dome was added on the eastern side. The high altar, consecrated in 1704, was designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. The twelve side chapels each contain a baroque altar. I sat in the church pew for about an hour watching people come in and out to show their respect. I too found myself overwhelmed by a presence that was not easy to describe. It made me weep and be over all grateful to be in that space.
6. Four Cultural Insights Posted as WhatsApp Texts
repost your text messages and any images shared to WhatsApp below (i.e., cultural Insights from particular days of the trip
Mariazell Basilica Roman Catholic Church. Beautiful church with great detail on the floors, walls, and pews.
Nashmarkt is a market with 16th century origins. There are a variety of items from clothing, nuts, spices, meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Mozart Museum in Salzburg The house where Mozart was born and raised. Mozart spent most of his important stages here.
Film festival with group members in Vienna at the Rathausplatz-Europe's largest culture and culinary festival in the heart of Vienna.
7. One Travel Writing Piece (Site-Based or Experience-Based)
The streets of Vienna are immaculate and I quickly learn that this elegant city with a population over 2 million people was the former imperial capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Despite its size, Vienna retains the feel of a large town with tons of woodlands, parks, and other open and green spaces. Vienna has excellent public services including public transport, health and a wide range of cultural activities to do each day.
Vienna is a beautiful city, with a relaxed vibe and stress-free atmosphere that are appealing. The trams, trains, buses, and subway stations are jam packed however no ever seems to be in a hurry. Vienna isn’t overcrowded and swamped with tourism unlike other European cities.
There are so many things to do in and around the city. There are tons of museums, parks, festivals, shopping, culture, skiing and hiking in the alps, touring wine regions, seeing operas, dancing at balls, visiting palaces and abbeys, and eating lots of cake. And, I absolutely had a great time experiencing many of those things. However, what makes Austria so special is the Austrian approach to life. Austrians cherish Gemütlichkeit, which means comfort and coziness. You’ll find that Austrians experience life more slowly and comfortably.
In the mountains, there are cozy mountain huts, which serve food and drinks throughout the day to day visitors and overnight guests. In the wine regions, there are family-friendly Heurigen (wine taverns) that offer comfortable spaces for drinking and socializing. Throughout Austria, there are elaborate thermal spas that invite visitors to soak in thermal water, sweat in saunas, and rest in relaxation spaces.
Austria has mastered an elevated style of slow living, which is especially enviable if you’re coming from a workaholic culture in the USA as I have. Even in the capital city, Vienna (Wien in German), life is unhurried and relaxed.
Kunst Museum
Schonbrunnn Palace
OBB Train Station
Graffiti Wall in Danube Vienna
8. One Lesson Plan
Natasha Wilson
Lesson Plan
English I/II Unit 2: Culture Identity
This lesson introduces the idea of culture to 9th grade students, from the perspective of self and society, and aims to get students to consider how culture shapes their ideas, beliefs and identity.
Standards:
RL.9-10.3: Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
RL.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone)
RL.9-10.6: Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature from outside the United States, drawing on a wide reading of world literature.
W.9-10.6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology’s capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.
Prior Context:
Students will analyze and discuss important terms relating to culture such as values, morals, beliefs, behavior, customs, stereotypes, and generalizations (among many that could come up) in class conversation, and also in their writing.
Lesson Process:
Bellringer: Choose 2 questions to answer in your journal and share with a partner.
What are some of the things (experiences, faith, etc.) that have been formative in developing your cultural identity?
When you hear the words cultural Identify, how do you apply that to your own life?
How would you describe your cultural identity? (This could be something that is important to your family, values, beliefs, customs, traditions, food, etc.)
Group Activity:
Next the teacher engages the class in a conversation about the difference between surface culture and deep culture and uses examples from his/her own life. A list of deep culture words, terms and phrases should began to emerge.
Vocabulary: food • dress • music visual arts • drama • crafts dance • literature • language celebrations • games
“Where I’m From” Poem: Students will write a bio poem from the perspective of their cultural identity
Students will read George Ella Lyon’s “Where I’m From” poem with the poem’s audio.
In partners, students will brainstorm for the “Where I’m From” poem using the following categories:
Familiar foods
Sights, Sounds, and Smells from Sighet and the concentration camp
Meaningful Quotes
Influential People
Students will write a ‘Where I’m From” poem utilizing a graphic organizer as a rough draft.
Students will use Pixlr, Prezi, or Canva to create a multimodal representation of their own culture.
Culminating Activity/Assessment:
Ask each student to create a self-portrait made up of objects, symbols and/or imagery that represent key elements of his or her identity. Students can create these self-portraits using whatever medium they choose, including graphic software on the computer, magazine cut-outs, drawing, 3-D sculpture, modeling clay and so forth. For inspiration, students may look at the following self-portraits:
9. Three Technical Projects on Selected Cultural Theme
My cultural theme in Vienna, Austria is cultural identify. I have decided to study this because I work at an International Bachelorette school in the inner city of Raleigh, NC. Our goal is to provide our students with a comprehensive global learning perspective during their time in school. It is important for me personally and professionally to work with students and staff to respect, collaborate, communicate, and learn from other people who may come different cultures and backgrounds from us. I have seen and talked to many individuals while in Austria and other places who come from all over the world. We discussed our similarities and difference but learned something from each other. Cultural identify is important to celebrate and embrace for individuals and communities also. I felt safe in Vienna as a black woman and everyone was friendly to me regardless of where I went. From my perspective Vienna and the surrounding areas embrace cultural identity more than other places.
Add, edit, or replace content blocks in this section as necessary to pull in your four projects. If you are building a project on another site (e.g., KnightLab Timeline, Voicethread, Google Maps, Google Docs, Google Slides), you can copy "embed code" from that site, drag over an "embed" block into this section, paste in your code, and publish to view your project embedded in your portfolio page. You can include a text box block next to your embed block as shown below to help explain or introduce the project.
Project #1: Where I am From Poem on Canva
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFpXuFYaZI/view
Project #2: Travel Documentary on Google Slide Deck
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kNawk8Z7P2ftft21LC2GWg-s__YNqaOy-zMEdn8YWwY/edit?usp=sharing
Project #3: Visual and Journal Entry on 1 second every day
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uZ2yVbqXFZsDh5KKX_19g_XFAR0K_DtF/view?usp=drive_link
My 1 second video focuses on the food cultural that I explored while traveling in and out of Austria. Vienna is international and has many different food options. The country has greenspaces, rivers, hills, mountains, and great landscapes. The city is full of culture with over 50% of the residents from foreign places. Outside of Vienna is not so diverse and the food options are more traditional. In the video you will see the many cultures represented in the foods that I explored.
Page updated
Report abuse