Back to school, one again...

Me and my Grandma, on my first day of elementary school.

Looking at my Tweeter profile, I define myself as a lifelong learner, so no surprise that once in a while I am back again "taking my seat" in a classroom. It was a few years that I was pondering the option to enroll in the M.Ed. Learning Design and Technology, and finally this year I found myself in the "perfect storm" for dusting off my red messenger bag, ironing and starching my blue ribbon, polishing my black shoes, and head out to my "latest" first day in a classroom. Well, this time I did not have the tactic haircut I had back in this picture, indeed I learned not to play with gum with my brother... but this is an all different story, good for another occasion.

Honestly, I find it refreshing being a student. First I know all too well how much I need to learn about being an online Language teacher, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to have some formal training specifically on what I have been doing for the last 9 years on a "swing it" mode :)
Second, being back to the desk, helps me relate more empathically to my own online students. I have to admit, I am one of those people who FREAKS OUT for tests! Oh yeah... the sweaty hands, the grumbling stomach, lost of appetite but for chocolate, the sense of the incoming end of the world...well, that's me still today every time I have to take any sort of test. This self-awareness allows me to relate to my kiddos and try to do my best for making them feel comfortable and safe at the time of assessment so that we can really assess their mastery level and not their panic level.

Overall this new beginning is already great and I am excited to join a group of current educators in pursuing this common goal.

Now for the sake of sharing something true and false about me, here we go:
I have been teaching online foreign language for 9 years in Kenai. I used to live in Haines, and I miss very much the Southeast rainforest and PEOPLE! I do not know why, but people are just more friendly down there. In my free time, I love to do many activities such as making pottery, sewing, crocheting, kayaking, boating, fishing, skiing, reading a good book or two, and walking my dog and my cats in the woods. English is not my first language and I learned at school when I was a child. Although I love to have friends over for dinner parties, my husband has to do the cooking because I am quite challenged in that department...  :)