Context+Statement

Much of this portfolio has been developed throughout my graduate level classes at [|Towson University], along with professional development opportunities throughout the course of my career as a third grade teacher at [|Woodholme Elementary School.] I graduated Towson University with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and shortly after was hired at Woodholme Elementary school, where I had completed my Level III internship, to be a part of the third grade team. I have been working as an educator in [|Baltimore County Public Schools] for six years now. I am currently a part of the Instructional Technology masters cohort at Towson University. Being both an educator in Baltimore County, and a part of an Instructional Technology program, I am being exposed to the most relevant and applicable theories, skills, and resources to become a true asset in implementing BCPS’ Blueprint 2.0. “S.T.A.T. is the multi-year transformation of BCPS into a complete 21st century technology learning environment to prepare globally-competitive graduates. BCPS is first redesigning curriculum in the core content areas to redefine what instruction will look like in a blended learning environment, while placing a stronger emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills. This transformation is necessary to provide personalized learning to our increasingly diverse student population at a time when the economy requires more from our students for future success.” (Retrieved from [|www.bcps.org])

As a third grade teacher, I have learned the value and importance of integrating technology into my daily instruction to engage my students and differentiate to meet their individual needs. Children are individually unique and need stimulating atmospheres in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. I believe as an educator that students can reach their fullest potential by providing an environment that is safe, encourages active-learning, and invites the sharing of ideas and collaboration. Following my belief in continuous improvement, I have attended a variety of technology workshops to learn more about Web 2.0 tools and resourc es. I am also a proficient user of Microsoft Office and utilize the applications daily to create and plan lessons, as well as, to communicate with others. However, I am not satisfied with my use of technology, because it is just that--my use of technology. I am satisfied with my ability to demonstrate professional growth, theoretical practices, and my versatility in a plethora of technology tools and online learning environments.


 * Check Out My [|Resume]! **

Graduate Courses
 * ISTC 541 FOUNDATIONS IN ISTC
 * ISTC 667 INSTRUCTNL DEVEL
 * EDUC 605 RESEARCH AND INFORMATION TECH
 * ISTC 702 EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP & TECH
 * EDUC 611 SUPERVISION OF STUDENT TEACHNG
 * ISTC 633 INSTR VIDEO
 * ISTC 663 APPLD PSYCH LEARN
 * ISTC 731 INTG DIG RESRCH
 * ILPD 740 DATA-BASED DECISION MAKNG/CURR
 * <span style="font-family: &#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;,cursive;">ISTC 675 SPEC TOPICS ISTC
 * <span style="font-family: &#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;,cursive;">SPED 644 UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING

<span style="font-family: &#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;,cursive;">Instructional Leadership and Professional Development
 * <span style="font-family: &#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;,cursive;">MSDE Educator Effectiveness Academy, STEM Representative (2012)
 * <span style="font-family: &#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;,cursive;">National Blue Ribbon Application Committee Member
 * <span style="font-family: &#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;,cursive;">Copiloted LEGO Robotics club
 * <span style="font-family: &#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;,cursive;">Curriculum and Staff Development Action Team Member
 * <span style="font-family: &#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;,cursive;">Woodholme Coordinator of MESA club (2011-2014) - Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement
 * <span style="font-family: &#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;,cursive;">Writer in BCPS Curriculum Workshop for the Office of Instructional Technology – Programming with SCRATCH
 * <span style="font-family: &#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;,cursive;">National and State Level Professional Development
 * <span style="font-family: &#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;,cursive;">Presenter, National Science Teachers Association STEM Forum (2012)
 * <span style="font-family: &#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;,cursive;">Volunteer at Common Ground/ Maryland Society for Educational Technology Conference (2012)
 * <span style="font-family: &#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;,cursive;">Woodholme Elementary School Professional Development on Edmodo (2012)


 * <span style="font-family: &#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;,cursive;">Back ePortfolio[[image:strentacoste/Return Icon.PNG width="50" height="43" link="strentacoste/ePortfolio Explanation"]] **

References

Baltimore County Public Schools. (2011). Blueprint for progress: Realizing the vision. Retrieved from []