Tag: K through 12

Posted in Reflections

Teaching and Technology

Posted on by Janis Sexton

Today teachers do need to be proficient in technology; demonstrating their expertise utilizing  all that is necessary to teach children… 

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We have smartboards that have taken the place of the chalk board;white board….  We utilize the computer to communicate with teachers, administration, and even with parents through our webpages ..Lesson plans and grades are all required to be done on the computer where information can be shared….Children are required to learn math and reading skills on the many websites that are available on the computer…along with learning to access information for  research on the computer …Keeping lists of websites and computer resources are a must for today’s teacher…

When I first began in 1972,  all I had to be concerned with was a ditto machine  and overhead projector…Even back then,  I was not comfortable utilizing  technology…And now, a teacher of today must be able to keep up with all the demands of technology…I have had to learn…

I was not a willing participant…I am a Baby Boomer, not savvy in this new technology…When I taught fifth grade, my students helped me boot the system up and access what was necessary back in the “nineties”…I was even known to take out a computer… destroy the Mother Board…My reputation on my faculty was that I needed to stay away from computers;  I was  quite dangerous…

I  am proud to say with the turn of the century in this new millenium, I have learned how to become somewhat computer literate…I am not too proud to ask for help, and I have been determined to teach this “old dog a new trick”….As I have told my children many times: “Never Give Up”!

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Posted in Reflections

Reflections on my Teaching…

Posted on by Janis Sexton

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I am quite proud to have been a teacher for almost forty years…

I came to teaching quite by accident…

I always had an interest in the arts; perhaps becoming a fashion designer…

However, overcoming my own challenging childhood, lead me to the realization….I had a tremendous need in helping others….

So, in my senior year of high school, I made the decision to become a social worker, and attend Florida State University, in Tallahassee…

In sharing my decision with an uncle…It was he who suggested, becoming a teacher, because it would better suit me… He believed it was….

A more stable career for a young woman...

Then, following this insight; One particular day that I will never forget, in my senior English class at Miami High School…My favorite, pretty, young teacher, Ms. Kempler, commented that she liked my dress! She said that it reminded her of the University of Florida… It was the University’s colors of “orange and blue“…

Wow, I so appreciated her comment! Back then, not ever feeling noticed … Ms. Kempler noticed me!

Ms. Kempler had gone to the University of Florida; in a town, Gainesville… I had never even heard of before this very moment!!!

Well… my decision becoming a teacher, was made that day in 1966, and go to the University of Florida, just like Ms. Kemper…

Thank you,

Dear Ms Kempler ♥️

And I have never looked back… Becoming a teacher was the most important decision I made to channel my passion for helping…

Teaching our young precious children!!…