I am a mom. I am an Educator. I am a leader. I am a coach. I am a reader. I am an explorer. I ask questions. I have a sense of urgency to ensure kids get what they need because I would want my children’s teachers to do the same. But at the same time, I want my kids to be loved and appreciated for their unique gifts, talents, and passions. I recognize more clearly how different each learning path is for each student and individual and I wonder, as educators, how can we better individualize educational experiences for all students. Can we do school better?
So, I have been reading, and talking, and thinking, and experimenting – succeeding and failing – and this blog is my attempt to begin to get those wonderings and questions out in the world. My hope is that other parents and Educators – International or national, Learning Support or General Education, Administrators, whomever – will join me in this conversation.
I began my career as a special educator in public schools in Durham, North Carolina. I then lived in Prague for 15 years. When not at home with my daughters after they were born, I worked at the International School of Prague. I was a Learning Support Teacher in the Elementary School and for several years I was also the PK-12 Learning Support Coordinator. I am currently the Inclusion Service Coordinator at the American International School of Johannesburg, South Africa where I have been leading the work of expanding inclusion at AISJ to include individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. It is greatly influenced by my engagement with the SENIA community where I serve on the Board as the Director of Professional Learning.
I have long had a strong affinity for turtles and acquired the alias “La Tortugita” a long time ago when I worked for a Human Rights Organization in Guatemala. My interest in International Issues stuck and so has the name. I am simply sharing the work that I am involved with at our school, my “Tales”, and we will see where the journey takes us. Thank you for joining me.
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Tales of La Tortugita 