Mind Zappers

My student teaching experience was on the Navajo Reservation in Teec Nos Pos, Arizona, where I lived with the children in a boarding school. After I returned home to West Virginia, I had a calling to return to the "rez". After a few months and a few hundred dollars in my pocket, I returned to the west, and landed a Special Ed. job at Nehnanezad Boarding school outside of Farmington, NM. I stayed there for two years, got married, and moved back to WV and taught in a school in the country. From there, we moved to Raleigh, NC. This is where I took a break for several years to raise my two sons. When I returned to teaching, I taught art at a magnet elementary school. After three years, the program was dissolved, and several of us disappeared with it. So, I went back to teaching Special Ed. in a middle school. I am now in my 13th straight year in this position. It's been quite a ride!

I like to teach using all of my senses. Since I am extremely right-brained, I try to incorporate art in many of my lessons. I've been told by many that I am one of the most creative people they've ever known. What I really think they are really saying is, I'm kind of a quirky person who teaches in an unconventional style. I try to push my kids to the limit while trying to keep it light. Why not have fun while you are learning?

I was placed in Who's Who in American High Schools. Does that count? Funny, Special Ed. teachers are not noticed that often. I have to say my greatest rewards are when I see a light bulb go off in a child's face when they "get" it, or when a student I had years before sees me out in public and tells me I changed their life. Those are the best moments!

BS in Special Education with a minor in elementary education - West Virginia University Graduate Work - Indiana University

I recently co-authored a book with my sister. It is a tribute to our brother who is very ill. It is a YA Fantasy and our brother is a magical character in the book; as he is in real life. Besides my children, the book is one of my life's greatest accomplishments. Check it out: Genoa's Passage on Kindle, through Amazon. I would appreciate you "liking" the book's Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/GenoasPassage?ref=hl