My name is Jody Stoddard Gensler. I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with my bachelor's in Education. I am now a special education teacher at Millard South High School in Omaha, NE. I currently teach three different sections of resource math, as well as staffing a resource study hall and the In-School Suspension room. My most important job is Mom. I have 5 children. The oldest is in the Navy getting ready to be deployed to Kuwait. I have another son at Southeast Community College, twins that are getting ready to graduate this year and a nine year old bringing up the rear!
As far as tech experience, I would say I am just above being technologically illiterate. With much trial and error, and frantic pleas for help to my computer savvy kids, I can usually figure out how to do what I need to do. I do spend quite a bit of time editing pictures that I have taken with an on-line program. I have also dabbled in Animoto, Photo Story 3, and Prezi. I have always used a PC and I am currently using Windows 2007, both at work and at home. In the classroom, I use my Smartboard on a daily basis. I also have 3 computers that I use to have students access on-line math games as a way to practice their skills.
The inspiration for my Master's came because I was recently divorced. I needed a way to increase my income, but more importantly I needed to do something for myself. Hopefully this is not too personal, but completing an advanced degree was a way to prove that all of the negative messages that I had been hearing were not true. I chose a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction because I have no desire to move into administration. I love being a classroom teacher and felt this was a great way to learn new ideas and gain new skills that would benefit the students in my classes. I feel that I have certainly come away from each class with tools that I can immediately put into use.
I'm glad that something positive is coming out of a negative situation. You will never regret getting your advanced degree. I hope you enjoy the course and that you will be able to use your new skills in the classroom. Welcome to class!
ReplyDeleteJody, from everything I have seen since we have been in this program together, you do a fantastic job on everything you submit. Keep it going and earn that advanced degree!
ReplyDeleteIm proud of you for doing something for yourself. Go you!!!
ReplyDeleteI was pregnant, not married and teaching at a Catholic school. After being fired for that reason, and being dumped by my boyfriend of 3 years, I decided to get a new job and a Master's to help raise my daughter as a single mother. I, as yourself, will be proud and have accomplished so much for ourselves. Good luck with everything!
Good for You!!! I divorced over 12 years ago as I was beginning to pursue my Masters at UNL. At that time I had to quit my program because my children were very young. Since then, I have remarried and 2 beautiful boys that I can add to my wonderful daughters. I also have a wonderful husband and a great job. I feel fortunate that I am in a place in my life where I am supported in my new adventures of furthering my education. Keep working hard for it is all worth it!!!
ReplyDeleteWay to go for your goal!! Like you I have chose to earn my masters in Curriculum and Instruction because I have no intentions of becoming an administrator. It is also great that you are already dabbling in different tools that you use in your classroom.
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