Hello, everyone! My name is Courtney Cruz. I live in Canfield with my husband and 2 children. Dominic will be in 2nd grade and Olivia is beginning kindergarten. Since summer of 2009, I have been taking masters courses in the Early Childhood Education program. Slowly, but surely I am finishing (only 4 left!). This is my 3rd course online as I prefer to be in class, however, my schedule has gotten crazy and online now fits best. I am taking this course to get my certification as an intervention specialist.
I have been privileged to be teaching at The Mollie Kessler School in Youngstown, Ohio, for over the past 5 years. The school services students grades 1-8 who have learning disabilities and are 1 or more grades behind in more than 1 subject area. These students come from all over Mahoning County. My class consists of 12 students in grades 1-3. I am the primary teacher of all subject areas and have a wonderful aide to work alongside me.
Hello, Courtney. I couldn't agree with you more when you say that you prefer to be in class for courses however find that our schedule outside of classroom with work and family is difficult. I think that making online classes available to working moms is a wonderful option. This is my first year as an ED self-contained teacher with grades 3-5 and I would love to seek to you for some advice in regards on how you plan and juggle all grade levels at one time.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, I would love to chat with you sometime;) I am no expert. I am always learning and changing what I do that's for sure. Every group of my students has been so different. I am blessed to work in a school system that does not put the state test as the forefront of what we do. The students in our classes realize that they are all on different levels and we don't concentrate so much on grade level, but more developmental level. Don't get me wrong, we still follow the common core and I teach accordingly, but I always go back to their needs.
DeleteHi Courtney! I teach in a similar situation as you, although my class is through grade 6. It is an ongoing challenge with the various learning levels. I understand your craziness & like this online class so far, its fits my life. I currently have a 6 month old that requires a lot of mommy's attention after work.
ReplyDeleteNew baby! Congratulations. I am sure you are working online at odd hours of the night:) Yes the various learning levels is difficult at times. Its been the one thing I have focused each year at improving upon. Multi-grade level classrooms have so many advantages that outweigh the disadvantages though;)
DeleteDanielle, I can agree that it is so refreshing to be in classes with people in the same position as you. I am so passionate about what I do and I just appreciate when I meet others who are striving to be the best teacher they can be;)
ReplyDelete