My name is Amy Smith. Mrs. Smith to most of you who will eventually be viewing this blog. I have created this blog as a way to 1) connect with students and 2) connect with other professionals, and finally 3) reflect on my successes and failures as a teacher of high school English. I have taught in the Bellevue Public Schools for the last 17 years. I began at Mission, teaching 8th grade English and moved to West in 2000. In the time I have been at West, I have taught 9th, 10th, and 12th grade--all levels. One oddity about me is that I have two B.S. degrees--one in Biblical Studies from Nebraska Christian College (when it was still in my hometown of Norfolk, Nebraska) and one in Secondary Education from Wayne State College. I also have a Masters degree in English from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
I am a casual user of technology. I'm not a techie, I'm not a paper and pencil fanatic. Instead, I am happy to use technology when it is expedient or when it augments student learning. I am not in favor of using it just to be flashy, or when other methods are just as quick and effective. In other words, I am a pragmatic user of technology. In terms of operating systems or preferences, I wouldn't say I'm a Mac or PC. I like to be able to use both and see merits in both systems. Apple holds a bit of a monopoly on products that I often use right now though, so being able to use all the items together is helpful. I have an HP at home though and I have an Android phone, so I am firmly planted in both worlds.
I'm looking forward to my foray into the world of blogging and am anxious to learn more. I've had students blog in the past, so I suppose it's time to finally catch up with both my colleagues and students.
Until next week,
Mrs. Smith
