Ready, Set...Go!

The school year has begun here in the great state of Texas. The first week back went well, I think. I have 4 preps this year, but thankfully, only 3 per semester. Last year I had 4 preps per semester--that was an experience.

I'm really excited about teaching Global Business this semester. I had the privilege of attending the Institute on the Environment and the Economy this summer sponsored by The Foundation for Teaching Economics and the Texas Council on Economic Education. Participating in this course gave me some awesome tools to help teach economics to my Global Business students and make it relevant. If you ever have the opportunity to attend any training sponsored by either of these organizations, seize it! It's worth the time, I assure you.

During the first week of school I introduced my students to me, their courses, class/course expectations, Google accounts, Wikispaces, and Blogs. This week as we begin our curriculum, the students will learn how to create a blog post, create links in the post, upload pictures to their post, and tag it. As the semester progresses they will learn a host of other Web2.0 applications integrated throughout the curriculum that I truly hope will help prepare them for success in both college and career.

It's going to be a great year!

Wordle picture found on Joan Vinall-Cox' blog.

What? No Way! It's Been That Long?

Waaaaaaaay back in the year 2001 (haha), I went through a metamorphisis; I became a teacher. I left the corporate rat race because I wanted to make a difference. Still, it's hard to believe that I am beginning my 10th year in teaching. Where has the time gone?

As I reflect over the past nine years, I realize that I've "grown." I have a thirst for knowledge and that thirst keeps me learning, and pushing, and driving for new and creative ways to teach my students. I've always embraced project-based learning, but rather than create on paper, I now utilize Web2.0 tools and Flat Classroom style techniques to open students to a whole new world of possibilities. My goal? I want my students will become productive citizens as they finish their high school careers and begin writing new chapters in their book of life.

I have the priviledge of "keeping up" with a number of my former students on Facebook. It's exciting to see the paths they choose--

I'm energized to begin this school year...and...I wonder what the next ten years will bring?