We need IPod touch; Elmo Document Camera; Mac Book Computers; Digital Cameras; Printers; Stylus Pointers; Wireless Keyboards; Wireless Mice; Touchscreen Computer Monitor
My Philosophy:
A student does not learn and retain information from lecture-based instruction. As most people don't learn from lectured based instruction. How boring! I believe a student learns through applications, explorations and creations. I believe we teach math backwards - even though it is the traditional way to teach. Read the text, take notes (and memorize these facts) and then put it all together and try to figure out how to apply to real life. WRONG! I believe in a method called service learning - where students identify an authentic community need and brain storm solutions to the task at hand. Students can then research all aspects of the proposals to determine the best method of solution. The teacher should be present as a mentor and facilitator, only! The students should be allowed to learn through exploration, creation and application. The age old question, "When are we ever going to use this?", has simultaneously been answered. The level of learning and critical thinking has been maximized beyond imagination. Problem-solving is so imbedded in the learning process that students do not even realize they are applying these skills. Then upon completion of these student led tasks - students are given an opportunity to share experiences through group interactions, pod-casts and websites. They reflect upon the individual growth and identify areas in need of improvement. And that is how I believe we can successfully teach leadership, independence and problem-solving that will be instilled in the students who WILL genuinely be life-long learners AND productive members of society (as all school's missions will claim they want - in so many words or less!)
Personal Information:
About Me:
Married to Jeff Cooper (Head Boy Basketball Coach at Columbia High School) ; 19 year old son, Zack, attends Calhoun; 6 year old step-son, Conor, is in the first grade at Weatherly Heights
College and Degrees:
BS, Ed (Mathematics) Athens State University
MA, Ed (Mathematics) University of Alabama
Favorite Books:
Right now - anything to do with technology in the classroom! (Or anything by James Patterson!)
Favorite Quotes:
Quitters Never Win - and Winners Never Quit (not sure who this is credited to but my father has instilled that in my mind, body and soul for a lifetime)
Interests:
Current and Emerging Technology; Volunteering; Gardening; Reading;
Employment History:
Buckhorn High School - 1994 to present
The Learning Center at Trinity - 1996 to present
Calhoun Community College - 1999 to present
Why Do I Teach?:
I teach because I know I make a difference in the lives of many of the students that enter my classroom. I teacher because I love to learn new and innovative techniques/ideas from my students. I teach to be able to interact with young, refreshing minds - who keep me on my toes -and challenge my brain to "keep up!" I teach because the passion to make a difference drives my heart to where it belongs - in the classroom.