Michelle+R

=Michelle R =

My name is Michelle Roberts and I am a mother of four. The ages of my children range from 22 to 4 years in age. They are quite a handful. I have been married for nearly 14 years and we still like each other. I decided to teach when I realized that I loved working with incoming freshman on writing. My mentor was also a guiding force in my decision. I originally went to school to become a nurse. Teaching was not on my mind because I knew there was no money in it. However, the time she worked with me and the opportunities provided to show what I knew to others, quickly put my future into perspective. I knew I wanted to be an English teacher. So I transferred from Northeastern University and headed south. I did my observations and student teaching at Dudley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina. I was a student at a historically black college for women, Bennett College. The rigorous education and high expectations was the norm at this institution. Therefore, I took that with me. After graduation I got married and moved from Boston to Maryland. I began teaching 7th and 8th grade at then Lord Baltimore Academy, now Isaac J. Gourdine Middle School. As a new teacher I was given a Special Education class and four general education classes. I was given the difficult to teach. I did not have a teacher mentor. I had myself and my sanity. My students soon realized that I didn't say much but I did a lot. Discipline and love was what made them see the real person. I was never afraid of them. I was more afraid that I would not get them to learn. They did learn. Many of my first year students are married or continuing education. They see me and scream for me. I get a lot of hugs. I made a difference. I am currently the Data Coach/School Test Coordinator at Thurgood Marshall Middle. I manage the assessments and train staff on using data to drive their instruction. In July this position will no longer exist due to budget constraints. I'm glad I have continued to learn my craft, otherwise I would feel stressed about going back into the classroom. The idea of implementing technology more so than ever is what makes going back so exciting. From this course I would like to learn how to use blogging or Wiki to work with my students. I want to be able to help my colleagues embrace the Ipods and PSPs for their benefit. My favorite game(s) are the Wii Fit, Just Dance, Mario Brothers, Tetris, Ms. Pac Man, Bejeweled, and Mahjong. I play to relax if I'm out of drawing paper.