Welcome to my electronic portfolio!

Professional Background

   I am currently a student at the University of Michigan - Dearborn and I will be receiving a B.A. in Elementary Education in April 2003.  My major is Social Studies and my minor is Science.  After I graduate, I will be certified to teach all elementary grades. In addition, I will be able to teach middle school Social Studies and Science.  I will be student teaching for the winter term in 2003 and have been placed at Thorne Intermediate school in Dearborn Heights.  Also, while student teaching I will be participating in the Michigan MITTEN project and I am enthusiastic about teaching students how to use technology.  The grade I have been assigned to is third and I am very excited to begin working with my cooperating teacher Ms. Jane Rizzo.

   The Westwood School District has approximately 2,200 students enrolled from grades PreK-12.  This district has four seperate schools.  Students attend Thorne or Daly school for grades PreK-4.  For 5th and 6th grade, the students attend Tomlinson Intermediate.  Robichaud High School is used as both a Senior and Junior High School.

   Thorne Intermediate School has a medium use of technology for the students according to Star Chart.  This school has one computer lab, which consists of 30 computers that have access to the Internet.  Also, in the computer lab, they have digital cameras, scanners, and an abundance of software available for student use.  During three month intervals, the students are given 50 minutes one day a week to work with computers.  At this time, the students have the opportunity to work on various subject and computer skills.  All classrooms are set up to be connected to a cable driven Internet and most teachers take advantage of this privilege.  In my classroom, Ms. Rizzo has three computers and two are connected to the Internet.