My Story

I am a public schoolteacher.  I believe in public education.  I believe that all students can, and should, learn.  I believe that teachers make a difference by:

• Expecting nothing less than a student's best effort
• Giving nothing less than her own best effort
• Providing an environment of respect and cooperation 
• Using all available resources to create dynamic learning
• Communicating expectations clearly and regularly
• Constantly learning and growing

I am a parent in the public school system.  I believe that parents can, and should, make a difference in their children's education.  I believe that parents can help create success by:

• Reading to or with their children every night, regardless of age
• Asking open-ended questions about their children's day
• Listening to the answers their children give
• Communicating regularly with teachers about successes and concerns
• Volunteering at their children's schools whenever possible

I live on the 'Digital Divide'.  I believe that technology is integral to a dynamic education.  I believe that schools can, and should, provide children access to a digital world by:

• Ensuring that every school-age child has access to home computing with Internet access
• Fully integrating technology into delivery of curriculum
• Fully integrating technology into assessment of student achievement
• Adequately preparing all school personnel for teaching and learning with integrated technology
• Maintaining hardware, software, and professional development to stay on the leading edge of technological advances

This blog is a record of my struggle to meet my own expectations of how I can, and should, make a difference in the life of children.