Tell us a bit about your background:
I am originally from Chicago and most recently lived in Phoenix, AZ, USA. This is my 13th year as an educator. More than seven years ago, I started Reggio inspired training while teaching students with mild to severe special needs. The program was more successful than I could have imagined. I began coaching teacher candidates as well as providing professional development in the Reggio philosophies, which make the early childhood programs of Reggio Emilia, Italy so noteworthy.
In an effort to gain a larger view of education, I moved to Kuwait. I’ve had a remarkable first couple of years and I’m looking forward to more incredible experiences. My non-traditional hobby is skill building. For the past two years, I have immersed myself in a “traditional” hobby, which offers an attractive skill set. The possibilities are endless. Currently, I’m interested in both drama and painting.
Explain one new approach to teaching and learning that you have undertaken, or are currently undertaking, this academic year:
A new approach to teaching and learning that I am undertaking this year is using the principles of Reggio with adults. The Reggio Emilia Approach is about how we view the child, how we view learning, and how we view life, as well as the connectedness of the three. The BBS Nursery and Preschool communities will be exploring the concepts of using a Reggio inspired approach through academic inquiry and personal experiences. The intended outcome is that teachers will have intimate knowledge of the Reggio approach to be able to implement the program with fidelity. My hope is that we will use this approach moving forward when we are working with children, their families, and each other. I enjoy the challenge of experimental education; specifically, when research-based practices are supported in several scientific areas. I have been involved in a number of experiment education projects and I feel this current project has the potential to make the largest impact for children in general.
Tell us one moment from your teaching experience that was particularly powerful, interesting, or funny:
Every moment from my teaching experience has either been powerful, interesting, or funny. I don’t know how to qualify one as worthier of a mention than another. I will say, my reflections on those moments have left me with a few life lessons that I would be happy to share. Every person is special (in every sense of the word). Every person is beautiful and amazing in their own right. Every person is giving their leveled best, for their particular situation, at any given moment. Finally, every person has a right to be seen and appreciated.
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