Introduction---Blog Post #1

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Wanting to be a teacher was something I wanted to do since I was in 2nd grade. It was either teaching or playing 1st base for the Chicago Cubs. Mrs. Stizel, my grade school p.e. teacher, was amazing! She made sure everyone felt included and successful, and being a shy student, her approach helped me to gain confidence.
As for TV role models, I wanted to be like Mr. Kotter. Every episode he reached his students who others gave up on in school. He made connections with them, not only as students, but also as people. The way I saw Gabe Kotter on TV was who I aspired to do and be.
Ever since my completion of the Beck Blended Learning Fellowship Program, my interest in bringing 21st skills to not only my students, but for myself has grown. It took me a couple of years of waiting and working towards an opportunity to pursue my goal of going back to school, and at times I never thought it would happen. Through the support and encouragement of my family and co-workers, I took the leap and made the commitment to earn a technology specialist endorsement. My hope is that will lead me to a second masters.
Neither of my Dad did not attend college and my Mom started taking classes at our local community college after my brother and I were adults. I was fortunate to be raised by to strong parents who encouraged us to go after our goals and not to let anything stop us--for that I am grateful. Both of my parents are no longer alive, but I know in my heart that they are proud and excited for me as I start another academic adventure.
My family has taken turns going to school over the past few years. After my son, Martin, graduated from DePaul, my husband, Marty, went back to school to pursue a career as a veterinarian assistant. He was tired of working at a job, just to have a job. Both Martin and I are so proud of him for getting out of his comfort zone and going after his dream. Then Martin, after took a substitute position at the school where I teach and the one he graduated from, jumped at an opportunity to earn his masters in secondary ed. He will complete the program at DePaul in June. I was going to wait until he was finished with his grad program, but I just could not wait any longer, thus I took the leap.


My intro post continues with a Powtoon movie. Enjoy!


My family is rather photo shy, so I don't really have too many recent photos where all three of us are in the same photo, thus the I'm posting our hounds.

Sadie with her favorite treat.

Harley enjoying the tasty snow.