First, before I go any further, let me introduce myself. My name and Teresa Howell and I will be the ITRT for Monelison Middle, Amherst Education Center, Amherst Elementary, Central, and Madison Heights Elementary. I have been teaching for 22 years (11 of those years in Amherst County). Last year I was able to get my feet wet as a half time ITRT for Monelison, Amherst Middle, and Amherst Education Center. In the classroom, I have spent the majority of my time as a math teacher, having taught 6 - 8-grade math at some time or another. This year I am thrilled to come on board full time as ITRT.
Yes, you read that right. I am beyond excited to be a full-time ITRT. Even with all of the uncertainty surrounding this year, all the technology we are going to have to embrace, and knowing full well how busy and stretched thin I will be, I am thrilled to step into this role.
"Yeah, but tech is your thing. What am I supposed to do? Even my computer scares me," you may be thinking. It's ok to be scared and uncertain. Just know that you are not alone. I would be concerned if anyone was not a little trepidatious about this year. Just know that I've got your back.
For those of you who will be using Google Classroom (all non-content teachers), I am a level 1 and 2 Google Certified Educator as well as a Google Certified Trainer. I live, eat, and breathe Google. Seriously, it is awesomeness to end all awesomeness. I am definitely your go-to girl for all things Google.
"Ok, that all well and good. But I am a content teacher and I have to teach with Virtual Virginia." No problem! I have been working with Virtual Virginia all summer, including teaching middle school math virtual summer school using Virtual Virginia. Let me tell you a secret, I am actually very impressed with Canvas. (SSHHHHH!!! Don't tell Google I said that!!!) All kidding aside, I have been very impressed with the capabilities of Canvas. It is a very robust program and there are so many possibilities with what it is capable of.
It is scary learning something new. Especially if you didn't want to learn it in the first place. I get it. Just know that I am here to support you every step of the way.
"Well, I feel a little better, but you are in so many different buildings. What if I need help and you aren't around when I need it?" No worries!
There are designated staff members in each building that have been asked to help with Google Classroom and Virtual Virginia if I am not scheduled to be at your building that day. And, I am just an email away too.
So, where will I be and what can you expect from me? Below is my monthly schedule:
Monday: Monelison/AEC
Tuesday: Central Elementary
Wednesday: Amherst Elementary
Thursday: Madison Heights Elementary
Friday: flex (I follow the same rotation above each Friday of the month. For example, MMS/AEC first Friday of the month, Central second Friday of the month, AES third Friday of the Month, MHES fourth Friday of the month.)
Each week (or thereabouts) I will send out a new blog post. For the first few weeks, I will share Canvas and Google Classroom tips.
So, that is where we are. I hope I have helped to put some of you at ease. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any tech questions or concerns with running Google Classroom or Virtual Virginia. We are all in this together. We will all help each other get through this.
You are amazing and I am glad all my schools are in your capable hands! This will be a great year, in-spite of the pandemic.
ReplyDeleteWell thank you for your supportive and kind words. I'm looking forward to working with you. :)
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