My name is Lauren Wallace and I am the Transitions Teacher at Robert F. Kennedy HS in Los Angeles. My job is to help all students at the school with IEPs to get ready for life after high school. This is my first year in this position; for the past 5 years I taught a Special Day class at University HS in West Los Angeles. I have always thrived in school and enjoyed getting to know my teachers, but I never planned to become an educator myself. After graduating from college, I planned to pursue a master's in marriage and family counseling, but first got a mentoring/counseling job at a middle school in order to gain some counseling experience before beginning grad school. The job included a teaching component, and I was shocked to discover that I loved the classroom! After 2 years in that position, I began a credential program in Los Angeles, and the rest..is history.
I am somewhere in the middle of the technology spectrum. I own an iPad, iPhone, and MacBook, all of which I use throughout the day, everyday. I feel comfortable using technology, and am eager to learn more. As a 30 year-old, I think my tech-savviness is less than many of my peers, but I have grown up using tech and it doesn't intimidate me.
One statement from the APU Vision Statement that stands out to me in particular is "To develop highly effective, innovative, visionary educators and scholarly practitioners of high moral and ethical character based upon Christian values and principles". In my opinion, this statement captures the qualities that I hope characterize my practice as an educator and as a professional. Although I am a committed Christian, and my faith informs my perspective towards my students and my work, I did not choose APU's program because of it's Christian vision. Frankly, the program made the most practical sense for me given my educational goals, schedule, and location.
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Hi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteA Transition Teacher? Wow! That sounds like a very cool job. Isn't it funny how starting on one path can lead to something very different? I think technology will be a very useful tool for you with your population of students. You decision to enroll in APU was very similar to my own; my schedule, location, and plan for my career. Good luck and I look forward to working with you in class.
Regards,
Sasha
Hi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteIt's so cool that you discovered your love for the classroom! I was a Psychology major for a year during my undergraduate studies, before realizing I really loved teaching. Teaching really is the best of both worlds because you are able to engage in dialogue with students and end up mentoring them on the side. Even though I teach English, I feel like I spend most of day counseling. Good luck in your new teaching position!
Hi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteYour job sounds awesome! I think that would be so rewarding helping students get ready for life after high school! Isn't it amazing how we want certain things in our careers and then it leads us down a different path? I don't feel as tech savvy as some of my friends/coworkers my age either. I didn't have any computers/cell phones in my household until I was 24, and then I didn't own an iPhone or tablet of any source up until 1-3 years ago! Good luck on your new path and I look forward to getting to know you more during this class!
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteHello there! I worked for a while at a transition school, and the high school I just got hired at has a transition component, really love working in that field. I think that this technology degree will be such a great resource in your classroom. I noticed when working with transition students how much keeping things fresh and new is essential in their learning. Although most students in general like and appreciate tech in the classroom, transitional students really benefit from seeing content in new ways that can reach them at their specific learning level. It will be great to hear about work with your kids!