Personal Background
Born June 1, 1949, in Mobile, Alabama, I had a very pleasant childhood that included many opportunities to travel. My father was a supervisor at International Paper and traveled extensively in his job. My family usually spent summers on the road----two summers in Canada, two in Arkansas, and several other extended trips to Michigan and Wisconsin. Looking back, I remember lots of swimming pools and motels.
My family transferred to Bastrop, Louisiana, the week that President Kennedy was assassinated. My teen years were spent behind the wheel of any car I could drive. During high school I made some really great friends that still keep in touch after all these years. I graduated from Bastrop High in 1967.
By the time I was twenty-five, I had two small sons and had moved to Silsbee when my husband was killed in an accident. Two years later I married my current husband. We have a daughter who lives in Beaumont and is not yet married. However, my sons have blessed us with five beautiful grandchildren.
Significant Technology Events in My Life
I have always had an interest in technology. In 1976 I bought my first video camera and have been filming ever since. For years I edited with two VCRs and have some really nice projects to show for past efforts. I was offered a chance to teach Video Technology when we moved into our new high school. I jumped at the opportunity and love every minute of it. We have grown from one class of 18 students to three classes with 54 students. We broadcast school events all day on one of our three local channels. We also have a live news broadcast daily. My class archives all school activities and produces an end-of-year video that is shown at one of our awards programs on a huge screen in our auditorium. We even created an interactive video yearbook last year.
Click on image to see us at work each day.
Reasons for Wanting to be a Technology Applications Teacher
I was a substitute teacher when my own kids were in school, and I only began teaching full-time ten years ago at Silsbee High School. As an English/history major, I never expected to venture into technology.
However, just like my students, I couldn't keep my nose out of it. With all the advancements of recent years and with technology costs dropping, more and more students are able to stretch their creativity at home. This challenges school districts to continue to expand the technology that they offer. I cannot think of an area in education, other than technology, that a teacher can continue to grow so much each day in personal knowledge. That quest for knowledge is what has drawn me to this field.
Preparing to Teach
When I stood in front of my very own classroom of students, I sensed the power that each teacher has. All eyes were on me, watching and waiting for every word. Had Lamar University prepared me for this? Could I meet their expectations?
Every now and then a student will comment, "Mrs.Grisham, you have a new pair of shoes," or "Did you get your nails done yesterday?" That's when I really feel the power. If my every move or comment can make an impression on these kids, then I must set an example at all times. Even when I am not standing in front of a classroom, I must live my life as an example to my students.
Teaching carries much more responsibility than just preparing to teach in front of a class. Our profession shapes the future of the world.
Resume
View my current resume here.
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