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Mrs. Liz Linnenbrink
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Ft Madison Middle School
Hometown:
Delavan, IL
Class Information:
Room Number: 206
Students per Class: 150-175 per quarter
Class Description:
My classes change each quarter. One quarter I may have 6th graders who are learning or re-learning the QWERTY keyboard. The next quarter I may have a mixture of 7th and 8th grade students who are learning or trying to master the use of the Microsoft Office Suite programs. That means I will eventually see every student in our building (500 kids) before the year ends, yet I only have one quarter to work with them each year. We try to incorporate some fun projects like illustrated children's booklets and personal PowerPoint projects to keep their interest high. This year we've added a scanner and a digital camera so they can take pictures or add personal photos to their PowerPoints that they do for fun.
Position:
Business teacher
Needs:
Our biggest need is a new lab!! We currently use older model PC's. The middle school is always the recipient of the high school's hand-me-downs. That means that right now we are using Windows 2000 with Microsoft Office 2003. Many students have the 2007 version and our new mobile lab (that the entire school of 500+ students will be using) will also be loaded with Office 2007. My classroom lab will still only be capable of using Office 2003. That will definitely pose a concern for students because they most likely will confuse the two programs between my lab and the mobile lab. Since they don't get to be in my classroom more than a quarter, there will be very little to no formal instruction on the 2007 version. The staff doesn't even have access to 2007 at this point. Without newer work stations to support a newer operating system and newer software, I fear that our students will be at a serious disadvantage as they head to high school.
My Philosophy:
The middle school program is the feeder program for the high school program. If I can't excite the kids about what business and technology can/will do for them here, they won't see the importance of taking even MORE classes at the high school level. With the current uncertain economic times, I believe it's even more important that our students are well-prepared to enter the workforce or college with as many 21st century skills as possible. Our area is mostly blue-collar, manufacturing families. Many of these people have become unemployed due to the change in our job culture and they need new skills, but sometimes they don't know what they need to do or where to turn. They just know they need jobs now, so they and their children sometimes settle for "whatever they can get that pays the bills". Some of our students won't be able to go to college right away or at all. With skills we can and should give them here at school, they can earn the knowledge and skill they need to meet the changing economic and workforce landscape. They can see the possibilities and find jobs that not only "pay the bills", but also excite them and make our little corner of the world a better place to live. Personally,I think the biggest need is in the technology courses--if we're farther behind the core classrooms, how do we earn credibility in the
Personal Information:
About Me:
I am currently in my 18th year of education. I originally started teaching at the high school level, but for the past three years I have been teaching middle school. I miss the high school students, yet I truly enjoy the enthusiasm that middle school students possess. They still enjoy learning new things and want to try their best! I laugh every day because of their energy (even though sometimes I drag myself home at night) and enthusiasm. I have five children of my own, with only two left at home. I've spent many hours sitting on bleachers or chairs watching them perform in football, basketball, track, baseball, softball, band, choir or plays. Children and teens are a big part of my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way! They are our future and it is my responsibility, joy and privilege to do my very best every day!
College and Degrees:
Eastern Illinois University, BS in Education
Activities:
Donnellson Library Board Central Lee Music Boosters CentralLee Sports Boosters
Favorite Books:
The Shack How to Win Friends and Influence People
Favorite Quotes:
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters, compared to what lies within us. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Interests:
Reading Gardening Canning/Freezing Antiques/History Churchactivities
Employment History:
Aquinas Jr-Sr. High School Mt. Pleasant High School Aquinas Jr.-Sr. High School Harmony High School Ft. Madison Middle School
Why Do I Teach?:
I teach because I enjoy kids! They are our future, and are in need of adult attention and guidance even more today than when I started almost 20 years ago! When I see their eyes light up when they finally "get it" or when they are proud of one of their projects, no amount of money can replace that feeling!