General Information
General Information
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I have over 20 years experience in public schools teaching English Language Arts, supporting technology integration, and facilitating school communications. Currently, I teach courses in educational technology in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and I'm the host of the Proud Rural Teacher Podcast. I'm also a Google for Education Certified Trainer and Innovator. Additionally, I'm a lucky leader with the Global Google Educator Group and the founder of the Southwest Wisconsin Google Educator Group. To boot, I'm also Google Streetview Certified and a Level 8 Google Local Guide where I'm committed to using Google Maps and Earth to tell the digital story of Southwest Wisconsin.
I have over 20 years experience in public schools teaching English Language Arts, supporting technology integration, and facilitating school communications. Currently, I teach courses in educational technology in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and I'm the host of the Proud Rural Teacher Podcast. I'm also a Google for Education Certified Trainer and Innovator. Additionally, I'm a lucky leader with the Global Google Educator Group and the founder of the Southwest Wisconsin Google Educator Group. To boot, I'm also Google Streetview Certified and a Level 8 Google Local Guide where I'm committed to using Google Maps and Earth to tell the digital story of Southwest Wisconsin.
Our Podcast: Proud Rural Teacher
Our Podcast: Proud Rural Teacher
So, I'm attempting to really stretch my edTech wings here. I've known how to make a podcast, but I haven't been willing to put myself out there. I have to say that I find it rewarding and meaningful, but very painful to produce. I know I'll get better, but the productive struggle is torture. It's a fresh reminder to what it must be like for my students. Regardless of my insecurities, I enjoy using the podcast to tell the story of those improving learning in our rural communities.
So, I'm attempting to really stretch my edTech wings here. I've known how to make a podcast, but I haven't been willing to put myself out there. I have to say that I find it rewarding and meaningful, but very painful to produce. I know I'll get better, but the productive struggle is torture. It's a fresh reminder to what it must be like for my students. Regardless of my insecurities, I enjoy using the podcast to tell the story of those improving learning in our rural communities.
How I Got to This Point
How I Got to This Point
Ever since I was about 10, I knew I was either going to be a veterinarian, optometrist, or a teacher. What an odd trio, right? I love animals. I have terrible eye sight, and my teachers changed my life. I remember thinking, "Which one of these will give me the chance to impact the most people?" Teaching was it. I remember when my brother joined football in middle school. I was so concerned about his success that I began researching football in the Funk & Wagnals encyclopedia and eagerly making worksheets. I just wanted him to do well. That's it --> I just want people to do well. Move forward. Reach goals.
Ever since I was about 10, I knew I was either going to be a veterinarian, optometrist, or a teacher. What an odd trio, right? I love animals. I have terrible eye sight, and my teachers changed my life. I remember thinking, "Which one of these will give me the chance to impact the most people?" Teaching was it. I remember when my brother joined football in middle school. I was so concerned about his success that I began researching football in the Funk & Wagnals encyclopedia and eagerly making worksheets. I just wanted him to do well. That's it --> I just want people to do well. Move forward. Reach goals.
I picked English because I thought literature offered the greatest vehicle to talk about the human condition and contemporary topics. I also loved practicing my marketing skills in selling a product that not everyone wanted to buy.
I picked English because I thought literature offered the greatest vehicle to talk about the human condition and contemporary topics. I also loved practicing my marketing skills in selling a product that not everyone wanted to buy.
During my Senior year of college, I think, I took my only edTech class at UWO. I was hooked. Dr. Cramer taught a very independent, self-directed edTech class. I bloomed! I tried everything my professor would throw at me and ended up using tons of it during student teaching and into my first couple of years. I never let off the gas pedal with learning edTech.
During my Senior year of college, I think, I took my only edTech class at UWO. I was hooked. Dr. Cramer taught a very independent, self-directed edTech class. I bloomed! I tried everything my professor would throw at me and ended up using tons of it during student teaching and into my first couple of years. I never let off the gas pedal with learning edTech.
Eventually, I earned my masters in Technology in Education from Lesley University and the rest is history. Something I want to mention is that I've met a few people who have been formative, pivotal even, as I've moved forward. Katie Grassel nudged me to complete the steps to attend a Google Teacher's Academy. I wasn't going to, but Katie was positively encouraging me from a distance. I remember thinking that I didn't want to disappoint her, so I tossed my name in the hat. When I was notified of my acceptance, I remember thinking, "...if it weren't for Katie..." And since then, I've tossed my name in any chance I get because...what if... And I've tried to remember to be THAT person for others because...what if they accomplish more than they ever imagined? I think THAT'S my calling --> uplift others.
Eventually, I earned my masters in Technology in Education from Lesley University and the rest is history. Something I want to mention is that I've met a few people who have been formative, pivotal even, as I've moved forward. Katie Grassel nudged me to complete the steps to attend a Google Teacher's Academy. I wasn't going to, but Katie was positively encouraging me from a distance. I remember thinking that I didn't want to disappoint her, so I tossed my name in the hat. When I was notified of my acceptance, I remember thinking, "...if it weren't for Katie..." And since then, I've tossed my name in any chance I get because...what if... And I've tried to remember to be THAT person for others because...what if they accomplish more than they ever imagined? I think THAT'S my calling --> uplift others.
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