The spring semester brought online adventures in the form of Quantitative Research Design Methods III, Assessing Learning, co-teaching Leveraging Technology for Learning, and comprehensive exams (one down, one to go). Co-teaching was my first experience getting to see what goes on behind the curtain, and one of the most rewarding opportunities of my academic experience at W&M. And I enjoyed an unexpected treat from Dr. Eddy for helping out with her leadership course – my favorite … popcorn!
After a much-needed break from coursework, renovations, routines, and Zoom fatigue, I made the trip back to campus at the end of May to retrieve items from my office. A gift bag was on my desk containing a plaque that read “she believed she could so she did”. Thank you, April. Resilience is less about bouncing back and more about adapting, growing, and recognizing that we cannot do this work alone.
What I’m Reading … narratives about complicated relationships, how to cultivate genius through historically responsive literacy, how artificial intelligence is changing the nature of education, what engaged pedagogy looks like, and how to be an antiracist. How do you choose to educate yourself?
Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life. I resumed my GA position at the Technology Integration Center (TIC) and continued my work as a graduate fellow with the Studio for Teaching & Learning Innovation (STLI) to reimagine the Student Partner Program. The summer brought an opportunity to work as an Online Teaching Assistant supporting Arts and Sciences courses. I also assisted with the Executive Ed.D. Program and the research of diversity, inclusion, and equity resources.
“When I need to be rescued
And I need a place to swim
I have a rock to cling to in the storm”
Lyrics from “Lovers Rock” by Sade
My better half, Brood X cicadas and Kali kept me entertained. The newest member of our family, “Kali”, is my daughter’s brown tabby. In addition to cat-sitting, I enjoyed walks, bike rides, my mini-garden, and fishing with my nephew. I love texting with my Pen Pal from The Arc of Greater Williamsburg. I just wrapped up our summer session of STRONG 30. I participated in our Virtual SYNC Summit, Bee & Goody’s Virtual 5K, and taught 7th, 8th, and 9th graders from Camp Launch two sessions daily for two weeks – whew!
I supported the William & Mary Educational Review as a lead reviewer for Team Orange, and I continue to participate as a Holmes Scholar. Here’s my reflection on the “Advancing Anti-Racist Teaching through Educational Research” session that I participated in.
Robots? But of course! I volunteered as a Remote Core Values Judge for McKinley High School’s FIRST LEGO League robotics tournament. I treated myself to Zara, my Computer Hacker Smart Buddy. I served as a Tech Aide with a Black Girls CODE summer camp focused on the fundamentals of robotics for students between the ages of 7-9. It’s a doll on a Siggy robot scooter. I also participated in ISTE21, and Scratch Around the World conferences.
In Memory of Janet Lathan … Mentor, friend, and former FIRST Senior Mentor in Washington, DC, Janet Lathan passed away due to COVID-19. She was a fierce champion of robotics. There is a photo of us at a Scratch Day event in May 2009 in my first project.