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 Rita Phillips has added the lesson plan The Butterfly Effect Oct 05, 2012
 Rita Phillips has added to their wishlist Apr 29, 2012

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Mrs. Rita Phillips
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Grants Pass High School
Hometown:
Grants Pass, OR
Class Information:
Room Number: 228
Students per Class: 72
Class Description:
I teach Holocaust Studies and The History of Spying to grades 9-12. I also teach teachers in the district how to incorporate web 2.0 tools to engage students. Next year I will be teaching a low level junior U.S. history class, too.
Position:
Teacher & Tech Coach
Needs:
I need a class set (30) of Netbooks or iPads for my classroom. I plan to teach the low level US history class in an innovative way with technology. Although our school has a number of computer labs, it is difficult to procure them on a consistent basis because of the number of teachers in the building using them as well as the fact they are being used for testing often.
My Philosophy:
My basic philosophy of teaching sounds like a cliche: "I'm the guide on the side, not the sage on the stage." Although many teachers try to "cover" history through the year, I want my students to "uncover" history. I believe many students today "power down" to come to school because most high school teachers spend a majority of the class period talking to students rather than allowing them to engage through activities and technology. I believe it's important for students to learn through doing, and because of that technology is paramount in an engaging classroom.
Personal Information:
About Me:
I am a veteran teacher with 31 years of experience. Subjects I have taught include English, drama, speech, geography, U.S. history, world cultures, Holocaust Studies, and the History of Spying. I have two grown sons, Collin (25) and Brady (22), and I am married to a wonderful man named Steve.
College and Degrees:
Western Oregon University, B.S. 1979 Oregon State University, Ed. M. 1983
Activities:
Trolling the web for new web 2.0 tools I can use in my classroom, cycling, and writing.
Favorite Books:
Wuthering Heights
Favorite Quotes:
"Don't be afraid to look foolish."
Interests:
Technology in the classroom (web 2.0) Politics
Employment History:
Bend School District, 1979-1984 Three Rivers School District, 1984-1985 Phoenix-TalentSchool District, 1985-1987 Eagle Point School District, 1987-2000 GrantsPass School District, 2001-present
Why Do I Teach?:
I have been teaching for 31 years and I still love it! I teach because it's a mission, always has been for me. I teach to not only educate but to engage students in the learning process. With all the new technology and web 2.0 tools available, there's never been a better time to be a teacher.