Learning Specialist/ Instructional Designer

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My thoughts at first....

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Photo Credit 
During this proposal project, I have found it challenging to get my new district on board with utilizing a SMART Board in the classroom. Throughout my student teaching as well as my first 3 years of teaching I have always had access to a SMART Board. My first year at my previous jobs, we had to write a letter to the principal explaining why we should be the one to get the SMART Board out of everyone in the building. I was excited to be the first one to get one because I knew so much about it. I was able to help other teachers learn about it so the next time there was extra money in the budget they were dying to get one. I was in a K-3 classroom and was with most of my students throughout that entire time. I was able to see how much my students grew and how excited they would be about learning. I believe the SMART Board made learning engaging, interactive and fun for them. Imagine yourself as a 5 year old walking up to a big board and being able to make things move this you finger! I mean how cool is learning! 

Being Shot Down 

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When I first started talking to my current principal about a SMART Board I was immediately shot down. I was told that they already have something like it in place. I've used it...its definitely not the same. So when I seen this proposal project, I instantly thought about trying for a SMART Board. I still have run into many challenges like, my principal still saying no and how the superintendent would say no as well. I am still very excited and I know a SMART Board would change the learning for so many, but I am also concerned that this may not happen this school year. That this might be a battle I will continue to have every year until...maybe I am heard. 

My take aways

One thing I am most excited about is being an advocate for this students and fighting for what is best for them. I worked in a rough neighborhood in Chicago and I absolutely loved it and miss it everyday. I was the only one there for most of my students education and I felt wanted and needed from them. I traveled an hour and a half each way for four years, but enough was enough I needed to change and find more time with my family. I now work where my students are given everything and anything at school and home. I do not feel like I have much to offer other than how to make learning fun. I would have never thought that students in the suburbs would be so unmotivated to learn as I have seen here. I am hoping that in the future I am able to make an impact on some of my future students lives by having them use a SMART Board in the everyday learning.

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