Tuesday, August 18, 2015
EDUC 6810 Introductory Post
Hello all! My name is Amanda Smith and I live in Mannington, WV. I am currently an adjunct in the Math department here at Fairmont State. This is my fourth semester teaching, and to date, I’ve taught College Algebra, College Algebra Support, Tech Math Lab, and Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics. This semester I am teaching MATH 1007 & MATH 1107, Fundamental Concepts of Math lecture and support.
I graduated from FSU in May 2009 with a BS in Mathematics/minor in Office Administration. Since then, my career path has been all over the place! I worked at a car auction, I was the transfer specialist in Enrollment Services here at FSU, I was a substitute teacher in Marion County for a year, and had a very brief stint at a bank. In July of 2014 I was asked to become an adjunct for FSU and I have finally found my calling! I enjoy teaching math, working with adults, the environment of higher education, and the freedom and ability to make each class my own.
I’m pursing a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Digital Media, New Literacies and Learning. This is my second semester in the grad program, so I expect to finish my degree in the spring of 2017. I have only taken two classes so far (summer 2015: EDUC 6301 & EDUC 6809). With my degree, I plan to become a full-time Mathematics professor (perhaps at FSU).
When I'm not too busy with teaching and taking classes, I enjoy almost anything outside. I have a new found love of kayaking, and spent several weekends this summer in the water somewhere in WV. Hiking, biking, swimming, and camping also take up a majority of my free time in the summer. I have one cat and one dog, who are both rescues and best of friends.
I would like to walk away from this class with the ability to bring new ideas and methods involving technology into my classroom. Teaching Math is sometimes very black and white on a chalk board, so I would like to discover new and exciting way to present the material that makes learning fun and efficient!
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Hi Amanda! Despite the fact that I'm ELA and you are Math, I feel like we are kindred spirits! I love anything outdoors, and I've also had a variety of jobs before landing in the classroom .
ReplyDeleteThe comic you included in your Animoto cracked me up. :D
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteHere we are again! Love your Animoto. You seem like someone who loves the summer, so I'll bet it was hard going back to school! I'm not exactly a math hater...that picture is hilarious. I'm just not very good at it :) God bless the math teachers.
Thanks! I thought it was funny, and figured people would get a laugh out of it! And yes, it has been so hard going back to school after an amazingly active summer! But, like you said, here we go again! Have a great semester!
DeleteHi Amanda! We have quite a few things in common. :) I lived in Mannington as well, and just moved to New Martinsville this April to be closer to my in-laws. This has allowed me to go back to work, as they have offered to watch my son for me during the day. I miss Mannington though! We loved that area. I also love kayaking, whitewater rafting, and all kinds of outdoor activities that WV has to offer. I don't share your love of math ;) but I'm so glad for you that you have found your calling! Your comic made me laugh as well. Have a great semester!
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda! It's nice to see you again. I would say that we are on the same plan for our Master's Degree. This is my second semester as well and will hopefully be finished in the Spring of 2017. I absolutely love math and people think that I am crazy. My undergaduate degree is in Education with Math 5-9 and Library Science k-12. This past summer I was able to try kayaking and I absolutely love it. I hope you have a great semester.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you again, too! Us math people need to stick together! Have a great semester as well :)
DeleteHello Amanda! Thank you for a wonderful introduction post. Sometimes in life it takes time to truly find your calling, and I am glad you did as a professor! I think you make a great point that some subjects, like math, can be really black and white, and a class like this will help us all to bring life into our teaching. I hope you have a great semester, and maybe i'll see you on the river someday!!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Michael Gallimore
Hi Amanda! Your Animoto comic is hilarious! I loved the music selection as well, a very laid back and easy going vibe. Although I'm a Physical Education teacher, I feel that you would appreciate the math concepts I integrate into my Gym classes regularly. Maybe you can give me some tips? Good luck this semester! I look forward to working with you!
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda! Here's to another semester together! It sounds like you've had a wild wide since graduating, but I'm so glad that you've found a place that makes you happy! I hope you get to be a professor when you're through with your degree! I'm excited to share another class with you!
ReplyDeleteI am also a math teacher. I have a secondary math/business degree 7-12. I have enjoyed teaching math and must say that I love using the chalk board. It is really interesting how technology has been integrated into the math curriculum these days. I miss teaching math in my new position as Technology Integration Specialist (TIS), so I tutor on the side for FUN!
ReplyDeleteI applaud you at excelling at Math because that is definitely something I struggle with and always have. I have always wanted to try kayaking! I look forward to reading more of your posts throughout this class!
ReplyDelete