About Me

About my 1st blog (My Brain is Upside Down):  During the summer of 2011, I discovered Edmodo. When school started, I used Edmodo to provide instruction for my students. It was their homework to complete short assignments and to come better prepared for class discussions and activities. In essence, I was "flipping" instruction before I had even heard of the term. Using Edmodo to deliver background knowledge, to facilitate discussions, to assess learning through online polls/quizzes, etc. completely revolutionized my teaching. It opened up a whole new world of web 2.0 tools to me and the rest, as they say, is history. I started on a journey of integrating tech, flipping, and gamifying my class. Learning so much technology has overloaded my brain! I'm not a natural techy at all; although, I've learned so much the last few years that some would argue that point. The actual title, "My Brain is Upside Down" comes from a story one of my 6th graders wrote about 20 years ago. Thank you, Matt!

About this blog- In June of this year (2018), I accepted a new position and will be an instructional coach at Columbia Elementary this upcoming school year. I'm excited! It does come with mixed feelings though. It's hard to leave the classroom. This blog is a celebration of me continuing on a magnificent journey. I have so much to learn! This will be my place to process my learning.

About Me:  Teaching has been my passion since I was a kid! I was always playing "school," teaching my siblings and neighbors, and many of my stuffed animals. When I was 15, I had the opportunity to teach at an educational summer camp. I loved it! My love for 5th graders grew from teaching there for seven summers. I graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and a minor in social studies. My first teaching assignment was teaching 5th grade and I've been blessed to work with that age of kids for most of my career. I've also taught 3-6th grades and I've loved each grade for different reasons. Although I've taught 5th grade, I've worked with students of all ages by teaching many extracurricular classes. The Arts are close to my heart and I've directed many school musicals and musical programs. I've also coached debate, drama, and directed student council leadership groups. One of my favorite after-school projects was teaching extra science classes. It was so fun to see so many "ah-ha" looks on students' faces.

In 2017, I graduated from SUU with my administrator's license. It was a great learning experience and a perspective changer. I would love the opportunity to lead a school. I think- no, I know that I could collaboratively work and make a difference! Until then, I will continue to grow and improve myself. I have so much to learn!

I could list some accolades and awards, but the ones that mean the most to me are from my students. They are MY kids! They inspire me! They bring me JOY!

Follow me on Twitter @sandeeteach