Personal Narrative: Reflections of 2017

To my network, I express the deepest gratitude. Thank you for DMs of confirmation and Voxers full of collaboration. Thank you for the conference laughs and EdCamp experiences!

To my friends and family who listened to me process, debate, toil and analyze- thank you for the hours upon hours of support you have given me.

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It was one year ago that I began my mission of knowledge acquisition in order to integrate technology, build my network, gather resources about STEM programs, and make a change.

I think I achieved my previous goals and far surpassed anything I thought I would possible know, or do! (These events are from most recent to January 2017)

As of July 2017, I began a Master’s degree program for Instruction Technology. My heart is fluttering with excitement about diving deeper into my passion for educational technology. One semester down, four more to go!

Beginning in August 2017, I joined the Tampa Bay STEM Network along with many other innovative educators and community partners to design solutions to address a district wide implantation of the Florida Computer Science Standards. Our Digital Literacy Task Force solutions labs are hard at work with the help of a CODE.org grant. #CSforAll

My colleagues awarded me as their 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and determination to work even harder to help our school become more successful in integration technology into our instruction. I have since move to another school for the 2017-2017 school year whom are in need of  Technology and STEM leadership. I am gratefully able to work with a committee of passionate educators dedicated to our school’s computer science focus.

In June 2017, I was able to attend and present at the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) in San Antonio , TX thanks to being a Legends of Learning Teacher Ambassaor! #ISTE17

Also in June 2017, I co-facilitated “MIE STEM Kickstart” with Bradley Smrstick to deliver the latest Microsoft STEM content to some enthusiastic educators all over FL! #HackingSTEM #iamNCCE #NCCEchat

June 7-9, 2017, I attend and present “How to begin a school-wide Technology Innitiative” at the Superior Tech 4 Teachers conference in Clearwater, FL. #ST4T

In late May 2017, Brad Smrstick and I provided “MIE STEM Kickstart” webinars for Florida educational leaders. #FirstWebinarFacilitationEver

This was the year I was going to establish my school-site’s first Technology Committee!

I had the opportunity to provide PD to other schools within my district area! #Area3tech

Brad Smrstick and I also introduced BreakOutEDU to some amazing educators at the inaugural EdCamp Hillsborough! #EdcampHCPS

This year was full of building some amazing relationships with educational programs by becoming a Teacher Ambassador; PowerMyLearning, Flipgrid, Legends of Learning, and Buncee.

With my tech committee we were able to host an inaugural technology showcase with students as the lead presenters showcasing how they use technology in the classroom, and how technology has transformed their learning!

I was also honored to present a STEM lesson that I wrote about Weather which will be considered for publication on CPALMS at the HCPS STEM Academy.

Lastly, but most importantly, I cherish the friendships that I had the opportunity to strengthened or have made along the way! ❤️😃❤️