-
Department of Education
The Department of Education paved the way for many of the literacy experiences I have had throughout my life. It was founded in 1867. Image taken from: www.ed.gov -
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss was a person who has influenced my literacy as both a student and teacher. I loved reading his books as a child and I enjoy sharing them with my students now. Image taken from: https://www.stillcellars.com/happy-birthday-dr-seuss/ -
AP Pilot Program Launched
Advanced Placement classes allow students to take college level courses while still in high school. This program began in 1952. I took 3 advanced placement classes in high school, with two of them being English. My critical reading and writing skills were highly developed over the two years I took these courses. Image taken from: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse -
Microsoft Created
Microsoft, the personal computer, and many computer programs had an enormous effect on my literacy. I have grown up through a time where the idea of literacy has shifted from books and printed text to include music, movies, computer programs, podcasts, internet resources and so much more. Image taken from: http://www.history.com/topics/inventions/invention-of-the-pc/pictures/inventions-computers-and-internet/dan-fylstra-with-two-products -
Birth of Curtis Sittenfield
Curtis Sittenfield is my favorite author. She has written four very different novels with relateable characters that tackle tough issues. Her work made me appreciate character development in novels. I look forward to reading her new projects. Image taken from: http://www.curtissittenfeld.com/bio/ -
Mom Graduates from College
My mom graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in May 1983 with a teaching degree. Being a teacher allowed her to spend time in the summer with my brother and me. Throughout my childhood, she always encouraged me and my brother to read and write, especially over the summer when she spent time at home with us! -
Special Education in PA Includes Gifted Students
On July 1, 1990, special education regulations and standards were amended to include provisions for gifted students. This was important because I had a GIEP throughout my elementary and middle school years. Being in the gifted program allowed me to access many texts and reading and writing opportunities that I would not have had in the reading classroom. Image taken from: https://www.ets.org/praxis/pa/requirements -
I Like Me
I Like Me is a children's book written by Nancy Carlson. It is a simple book written about a pig who talks about all the reasons she likes herself. It's a great book about finding positive characteristics within yourself. It is also the first book I can remember independently reading out loud. Image taken from http://www.amazon.com/I-Like-Me-Picture-Puffins/dp/0140508198 -
PSSA Testing Begins
In 1998 the first PSSA tests were administered. These tests changed the way that students were taught to read and write. Teaching became more test oriented, which affected the way that I was taught. -
Mr. Wolfe's 5th Grade Class
Mr. Wolfe was my 5th grade teacher. As part of his class every day, he did a read aloud. This introduced me to some of my favorite books I have ever read. He read aloud with expression and different voices that made the characters and stories seem to jump off the pages. We each had our own copy of the book to follow along with, which kept me engaged. After listening to the stories, I wanted to read anything and everything I could get my hands on. Image taken from: http://www.nydailynews.com/ -
No Child Left Behind Act
No Child Left Behind was legislation that introduced high stakes testing and more school accountability. This had a huge effect on my education and literacy as a student. Image taken from: www.ed.gov -
First Harry Potter Movie Released
I absolutely adored the Harry Potter book series. I was excited to have the story come out as a film. This was the first time I really appreciated the film adaptation of a book. As I've gotten older, I constantly want to see movies that I have read as books, and read books based on movies I have watched. Image taken from: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0241527/ -
Bloomsburg University Honors Program Application
Writing my admissions essay for the Bloomsburg University Honors Program was one of the first times I revised, edited and published an important piece of writing. I wanted to be admitted into the program so I found myself really taking my time to craft an essay that represented my academic and personal life. Image taken from: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/12/bloomsburg_university_employee.html -
Governor Corbett Inaugurated
When Governor Tom Corbett took office, he made many changes to education that affected students I work with. Budget cuts that took a toll on education affected the literacy of many students. Image taken from: http://www.politicspa.com/pa-gov-if-re-elected-corbett-says-he-would-call-special-session-on-pensions/60339/ -
Honors Independent Study
As part of the honors program at Bloomsburg University, I was required to complete a multisemester research project with the supervision of a faculty mentor. I chose to research gender differences in the spelling development of primary aged students. This project not only changed the way I viewed literacy development of my students, it also helped me to grow as a researcher. -
Hired at Mechanicsburg Area School District
In May of 2014, I was offered a full time teaching position with the Mechanicsburg Area School District. This marked an important time in my literacy journey as I was now responsible for the literacy development of my second grade class. Being hired as a teacher forced me to think about literacy from a teacher's perspective. Image taken from: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/05/mechanicsburg_area_school_boar_7.html -
Andrew McMahon Concert
Andrew McMahon has been one of my favorite musical artists since I was in high school. His lyrics are my favorite part of his music. They tell stories about his life and experiences. I was able to see him in concert for the 2nd time this past November. Image taken from: https://twitter.com/andrewmcmahon -
Graduate School Acceptance
Starting graduate classes at Penn State Harrisburg has allowed me to become a much more critical reader and writer. I am being asked to analyze and evaluate texts in a way I have not done before. It excites me as a learner and I am looking forward to more classes in the program! Image taken from: https://www.higheredjobs.com/InstitutionProfile.cfm?ProfileID=16159 -
My First Day of School
Starting school opened up a whole new world of literacies for me. I was always someone who loved school and enjoyed reading and learning. Image taken from: http://coronadousd.net/news/village-elementary-school-first-day-of-school-procedures/ -
New ELA Curriculum
In the 2015-2016 school year, the Mechanicsburg School District is rolling out a new K-12 aligned ELA curriculum. Throughout the past school year, my colleagues and I have worked hard outside of our classrooms to write performance tasks, learning plans, and lesson plans. It has forced us to think about teaching literacy skills in a new way. We are preparing students to be more independent and critical when it comes to their literacy skills. Image taken from: http://www.eriesd.org/Page/936
