I got my teaching credential in spring of 2007. I began as a long-term substitute at Health Sciences High and Middle College in the fall of 2007. I did many jobs from leading breakout session on Earth Science, creating online activities for the Anatomy and Physiology class, teaching Geography three days a week to finally taking over the 10th grade World History class. The following year, I was given the position as the 10th grade Social Studies teacher. Since HSHMC was very small at the time, I was the only full-time Social Studies teacher at HSHMC. I taught four sections of World History to about 140 students. My department was tiny and has since grown. We now have 3 full-time Social Studies teachers. I assisted in writing the curriculum outline for World History to be approved as our school was becoming certified. I completed my Masters in Education in 2011 through San Diego State University. This program also incorporated numerous reading and literary strategies. I have been able to use many strategies from these classes into my own teaching. From there, in 2013 I took an 8-week course to become Leading Edge Certified. According to the LEC website, it is a “national certification program in educational technology and curriculum innovation.” This really helped me blend my classroom and create meaningful activities online. Also, in 2013, I started working to become National Board Certified. This process included video taping two lessons, student work analysis, involvement in the community and a subject-based test. I passed and became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2014. I have also been a presenter on the Gradual Release of Responsibility Model in Wisconsin. This was a great experience because I was able to take my skills and teach others how to make their classrooms better. I also got a lot of feedback on how to become a better presenter. I am hoping to continue to present in my future.
Recently, my co-chair and I are working in a collaborative with San Diego District Social Studies teachers. There we are sharing ideas, creating Close Reading activities and looking into Common Core Standards paired with the new testing. We meet monthly and are also reading the book, Close Reading.
Recently, my co-chair and I are working in a collaborative with San Diego District Social Studies teachers. There we are sharing ideas, creating Close Reading activities and looking into Common Core Standards paired with the new testing. We meet monthly and are also reading the book, Close Reading.