-
I am born!
It was a cold, blizzardy night in December... -
Challenger Tragedy
"Christa McAuliffe is chosen by NASA from among more than 11,000 applicants to be the first teacher-astronaut, but her mission ends tragically as the Space Shuttle Challenger explodes 73 seconds after its launch, killing McAuliffe and the other six members of the crew" (Sass, 2011). -
In the case of Edwards v. Aguillard, et al. the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down a Louisiana requiring that creation science be taught along with evolution.
Will this controversy ever be resolved? -
The University of Phoenix establishes their "online campus," the first to offer online bachelor's and master's degrees. It becomes the "largest private university in North America."
This began the many technological advancements that led to modern day courses and programs provided entirely online. This certainly changed the pedagogy of learning forever. -
First Day of Pre-School
Although I was very attached to my mother and baby sister, I began pre-school at age 3.5. It was a big adjustment, but was fun to meet new children, learn new things, sing new songs, and get creative in imaginitive play, music, and other arts. Little did I know, 20+ years later, I would be studying this phase of life at the graduate level! -
Teach for America is formed, reestablishing the idea of a National Teachers Corps.
Teach For America "is the national corps of outstanding recent college graduates of all academic majors and career interests who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools and become leaders in the effort to expand educational opportunity. GOAL: to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our nation's most promising future leaders in the effort. -
First SMART Board
The first interactive white board, created by SMART technologies was introduced in 1991. Over the next 10 years, SMART boards and ACTIV boards will gradually merge into classrooms across the country outdating blackboards and whiteboards as things of the past. -
First Day of Kindergarten
Two weeks after moving to a new house and neighborhood, I began part day kindergarten at St. Raphael School in Bay Village, OH. My teacher's name was Mrs. French. Since the area of Westlake I lived in did not have many students living in it, I had to take a station wagon to school instead of a school bus. This, as you can imagine, was devastating news. But when I found out I could ride backwards in the back, it all evened out. -
City Academy High School Opens -- St. Paul, MN
Our nation's first charter school! -
Constructivist Approach Flourishes
Jacqueline and Martin Brooks' In Search of Understanding: The Case for Constructivist Classrooms is published. It is one many books and articles describing constructivism, a view that learning best occurs through active construction of knowledge rather than its passive reception. Constructivist learning theory, with roots such as the work of Dewey, Bruner, Piaget, and Vygotsky, becomes extremely popular in the 1990s. -
Improving America's Schools Act (IASA)
The Improving America's Schools Act (IASA) is signed into law by President Bill Clinton on January 25th. It reauthorizes the ESEA of 1965 and includes reforms for Title I; increased funding for bilingual and immigrant education; and provisions for public charter schools, drop-out prevention, and educational technology. -
Ebonics a Native Language?
The Oakland, California School District sparks controversy as it proposes that Ebonics be recognized as the native language of African American children. -
Proposition 227
California voters pass Proposition 227, requiring that all public school instruction be in English. This time the law withstands legal challenges. -
Google is born.
Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin set up a workplace for their newly incorporated search engine in a Menlo Park, California garage. It is difficult to imagine a world without Google, GMail, Blogger, and so many other applications. Google has also become a verb in the last 10 years -- go ahead, "GOOGLE IT!" -
Columbine High School Massacre
On April 20th, two Columbine High School students go on a killing spree that leaves 15 dead and 23 wounded at the Littleton, Colorado school, making it the nations' deadliest school shooting incident. "Though schools tighten safety procedures as a result of the Columbine massacre, school shootings continue to occur at an alarming rate." -
8th grade graduation
After 9 years at St. Raphael School, I graduated from 8th grade. Reaching my peak in both physical awkwardness and social "coolness," 8th grade was a fun, transitional year. I decided on a high school and became very close with my grade school friends. I finally appreciated the education I recieved at St. Raphael but I was very excited for the adventures that awaited me in high school. -
First Day of High School -- Magnificat High School
The changes that will take place over the next four years will shape my life and my future in ways my young mind could have never predicted. I chose to attend Magnificat for its academic reputation, championship gymnastics team, Catholic influence, and single-sex structure. I was not disappointed! -
No Child Left Behind
"The controversial No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is approved by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush on January 8, 2002. The law, which reauthorizes the ESEA of 1965 and replaces the Bilingual Education Act of 1968, mandates high-stakes student testing, holds schools accountable for student achievement levels, and provides penalties for schools that do not make adequate yearly progress toward meeting the goals of NCLB." -
9/11 attacks
al-Qaeda terrorists hijack 4 commercial jet airliners on the morning of 9/11/01 crashing 2 into the twin towers of the World Trade Center and another into the Pentagon. The 4th plane crashes in rural PA as passengers try to retake it from the hijackers -- 2976 victims. The attacks have a devastating effect on the both U.S. and world markets. "The Patriot Act and formation of the Department of Homeland Security provide the impetus for 2 wars taking a lasting toll on American's well-being." -
Coaching Gymnastics Inspires Teaching Career
At 16, I began to coach young gymnasts basic skills. This positive experience influenced me to persue a career in physical education. I discovered a love for children and the feeling you get when your student/athlete "gets it." I knew I wanted teach -- somehow, some way... -
High School Graduation
My experience at an all-girls high school was better than anything I could have ever imagined. I gained knowledge, friendships, and confidence I could not have achieved anywhere else. Because of these positive memories and experiences, I have become a huge advocate for single-sex education. Go Blue Streaks! -
First Day of College -- Bowling Green State University
I attended BGSU to study physical education. I primarily chose BGSU for its education program and location (not too close to home but close enough). Although it was difficult to be away from home my freshman year, my dreams of becoming a teacher never waivered. I ended up having the best four years of my life and earned a degree I am proud of. -
Student Teaching -- Toledo Public Schools
In the spring of 2008, I student taught phyical education at Larchmont Elementary School in the Toledo Public School district. Through this experience, I gained a profound understanding of the responsibilities required to be a teacher. I also learned a lot from my students. Working with all grades (K-6) as well as the primary and intermediate multi-handicapped classes, I learned more from my students than I ever imagined. -
College Graduation
Graduated from BGSU with a B.S. in Physical Education. PE jobs were few and far between though. What would the next chapter of my life entail? -
Barack Obama becomes 44th President
Barack Obama defeats John McCain and is elected the 44th President of the United States. "Substantial changes in the No Child Left Behind Act are eventually expected, but with two ongoing wars as well as the current preoccupation with our nation's economic problems, reauthorization of NCLB is unlikely to happen any time soon" (Sass, 2011). -
First time substitute teaching -- 2nd grade
My first time I substitute taught in the classroom, something clicked inside of me. I discovered that I wanted to teach elementary education. I immediately began searching and applying to graduate school. -
Common Core Standards
The Common Core State Standards Initiative, "a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers," is launched. It is expected that many, perhaps most, states will adopt them. (Ohio is one of the first) -
Recession affects teachers
With the U.S. economy mired in a recession and employment remaining high, states have massive budget deficits. As many as 300,000 teachers face layoffs. -
Began first class at JCU in the Professional Teacher graduate program
"Intro to Early Childhood" was my first class taught by Dr. Moses. This course continued to nurture my sudden love for elementary education and gave me great hope for the rest of my graduate career. -
Issue 5
"In spite of workers' protests and Democratic legislators leaving the state to delay the vote, the Wisconsin legislature passes a bill removing most collective-bargaining rights from many public employees, including teachers. Governor Scott Walker signs the bill into law on March 11. However, a Wisconsin judge issues a temporary restraining order on March 18, preventing the law from taking effect. It is finally implemented in June as similar proposals are being considered in Ohio" (Sass, 2011).
