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Brenda Remess
P O R T F O L I O

M E N U
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Introduction

Belief Statement

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"Today's classrooms need to prepare students to become citizens of the information age. Students must think critically, analyze and synthesize information to solve technical, social, economic, political, and scientific problems, and work productively in group" (Mills & Robler, 2002)

I believe that teaching is a field of inquiry therefore an effective teacher must have a great understanding of the subject matter. I have no doubt that it is a teacher’s responsibility to stay current in a field, engaging in research and participating in classes, conferences, and workshops that improve subject matter knowledge. In my opinion, the role of a teacher is to be a facilitator; teachers should enable students to become responsible for their own learning. In my own experience working for the Chicago Public Schools, I do recognize that high school students learn in different ways. As a teacher, I try hard to reach my students so they will succeed academically. 

However, I believe that the integration of technology in the classroom plays an important role in students learning experiences. The use of computers helps teachers and students to research, understand, and explain their ideas through text and graphics. 

As a technology specialist, I am aware of the important role that I play in the life learning experiences of teachers and students. I am aware that if I am able to demonstrate in a well organize, simple, and understandable way technology integration in their subject area. I will affect not only the teacher’s perception, but the students’ learning. I think technology specialist play a critical role because of the power to influence a wide range of people, teachers, administrators, and students. By me being an effective technology instructor, I can empower teachers to go a step further in their teaching.

I feel that I have a big responsibility to ensure that all my colleagues obtain technical support and provide professional development workshops in an environment that is fearless to teachers to learn and use the new technology resources to enhance students’ learning. I will therefore pay special attention when designing professional development workshops to a wide variety of learning styles.

I believe that teaching requires creativity, practice, and commitment. I feel that teachers have a unique responsibility to shape the future through their students.