Introduction and Overview

Professional Background

I am a graduate of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, where I received my Bachelors of Science and Masters of Arts degrees, and where I am currently pursuing my Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. In 2000, I received a Middle Childhood Generalist certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and I am currently mentoring three educators through this rigorous process. For six years I have been team-teaching in a 3-5 Multiage classroom at Cooper Elementary School, one of three elementary buildings in Plainwell Community Schools. Cooper is located in a small, rural community just north of Kalamazoo. It has approximately 230 students and two each of kindergarten, first and second grades, as well as one each of third, fourth, and fifth grades, and the only Multiage classroom in the district.

Technology Background

In 2000, I received National Board Certification, Middle Childhood Generalist, which has given me numerous opportunities for educational training, much of which is based on informational technology. In 2001 I was chosen as a Michigan Technology Integration Professional (MTIP) Scholar, providing professional development to educators across the state. As a scholar, I have received training in such programs as Marco Polo, Teach for Tomorrow, MI Climb, Best Practices and Intel- Teach to the Future. In March 2003 I will be a presenter at the annual MACUL conference. Since 2001, I have been a district technology leader and have worked with others in the district to successfully implement technology into the curriculum. I’ve provided technology integration professional development to staff members and am currently piloting the use of handheld computers in our classroom. My resume is attached.

Learning Environment

Plainwell Community Schools strongly emphasizes the seamless implementation of technology into the curriculum. All classrooms are networked and on-line, and all elementary classrooms contain at least two desktop computers. Our Multiage classroom contains 67 students, grades 3-5. Technology is incorporated into our units with the use of our seven desktops, three color printers, twenty Palm handheld computers, and a digital camera. In addition, we have fifteen wireless laptops, an LCD projector and a Mimeo communication system that is shared throughout the building. We maintain constant parent communication through e-mail and our class website.

Summary of Portfolio Components

This portfolio demonstrates the way in which I implement the National Technology Standards into numerous lessons in all areas of the curriculum. As evidence, I have included teacher-created materials, student presentations, educational websites, rubrics, evaluation tools, and assessments. In addition, I have included presentation handouts, photos, and training materials which clearly demonstrate how I use professional development to stay current and share knowledge with others. I will explain the way in which we use technology to address a variety of student needs, learning styles and ability levels. In a multiage setting, we have the opportunity to address individual student needs on a daily basis. Students work at their own instructional levels in all areas of the curriculum, including technology. Examples include student presentations, sample lesson plans, and a student technology skills assessment.