EDU230: Introductions by Cat Matthesen

matthesenc — 2025-10-16 18:55:52 UTC

I’m Dr. Cat Matthesen, and I’m so happy to have you in class—especially my returning students! I chose the song *“We’re All in This Together”* because it perfectly reflects what effective classroom management is all about—building a supportive, respectful learning community where everyone feels valued. When teachers and students work together with shared goals and mutual respect, the classroom runs smoothly (most of the time), and learning thrives. Just like the song says, success comes from teamwork, encouragement, and the belief that we’re all in this together.

2025-10-16 22:54:13 UTC

Hello, I'm Heather Hamilton, and I chose the song "Count on me" because I want to be the teacher that students can count on. This song shows the type of classroom that I want to have. I want to have a safe, inclusive, and positive classroom that builds students' confidence in their abilities and that they will learn. The lyrics that say " We'll find out what we're made of when we are called to help our friend" show that students should support each other.

regertc — 2025-10-20 19:57:25 UTC

Hello! I am Christopher Regert and I chose the song "Head in the Clouds" by Arrows in Action. This song is about personal growth and a positive outlook on life, and I chose it because I feel those messages are ideal for teachers who want to create a welcoming and supportive classroom environment. The main chorus of the song really aligns with how I try to carry myself throughout life from teaching, coaching, being a parent, and even just being an adult. As the song says, "take it all in and breathe out, I've got everything I need, I think I'm done looking down," having the ability to slow yourself down when overwhelmed or stressed and just breathe and think positively is invaluable. Best of luck everyone!

2025-10-20 20:26:24 UTC

Hey everyone, I chose “Brave” by Sara Bareilles because the song’s message of courage, authenticity, and self-expression perfectly reflects who I am and my journey. I have been married to my husband Ben for over 21 years, and we have two children together. My son Gaven is 19 years old, married to his wife Daniella and is a Marine stationed in North Carolina, and my daughter Zoey is 13 and is in the 8th grade. We live in Vail, Arizona with four cats and three dogs. I am retired from the Military, prior to entering the military, I wanted to become either an Elementary Special Education Teacher or Kindergarten Teacher which is why I am working towards a AAS degree in Early Childhood Care and Education as well as an AAS degree in Art to reaffirm that teaching is what I want to peruse as a career and decide which level of teaching is right for me whether that is Special Education, Kindergarten, or becoming an Art teacher. As a retired military member pursuing a new career in education, I value bravery like having the courage to start fresh, embrace challenges, and inspire others to do the same. In the classroom, I want to create a safe space where students feel confident to be themselves, express their ideas, and “say what they want to say,” just as the song encourages.

ValerieBojorquez — 2025-10-20 23:35:30 UTC

Hello, my name is Valerie Bojorquez, and I chose the song "If You Are Happy and You Know It" by KidsMusicShop1 because, to me, there is nothing more important than children being able to express how they feel and be free to show their emotions, participate, and move without fear of making mistakes or being judged. I like the KidsMusicShop1 version because it can be adapted to different ages and encourages interaction, group work, and joy, reflecting a classroom where everyone can feel included and happy to learn.

2025-10-21 00:09:35 UTC

Hi! I am Bianca Genovese and I am excited to take this course and learn all about you all! I Chose the song Beautiful Things by Benson Boone, not only because I love his music but because I believe in never taking things for granted. I always take things in fully and appreciate what I have in the moment and never want to lose the things I have. The song has a line that says " For a while there it was rough, but lately I've been doing better." This lyric is a reminder that everything passes and when I am stressed or feel like things are not going good... I always remember that no hard time will last forever and there are always rainbows after a storm.

Stay positive everyone throughout this course and don't forget that you got this!

gonzalezd657 — 2025-10-22 05:46:32 UTC

Hie! I am Diana Gonzalez it is good to be with someone of you again! I chose the song Fight Song by Rachel Platten, because I love the lyric and also how she sings. This song has a good message and from resilience and believing in yourself even when others doubt you, also when we think bad moments is forever. this song can remind students to never give up, stand firm of bad moment and find inner strength. Also, with this song I can promoted students a growth mindset, helps students see mistakes as part of learning, when teacher demonstrate persistence students be able to learn to push through their own personal struggles. I loved this singer she has a lot of good lyrics with good message.

wrightm072 — 2025-10-24 05:00:39 UTC

Hello, all! I've chosen Ride on The Magic School Bus, written by Peter Lurye and performed by Little Richard, for my song of introduction. It's delightful romp of a song that's been the theme song for both The Magic School Bus and its reboot (albeit a different arrangement of it), which is a delightful show that makes learning fun. That's why I've picked it for this; learning is easiest and best when it's fun, and if you can't manage that, aim for engaging. To make learning interesting and engaging, to find ways to teach that really capture the minds and imaginations of students - that's my goal. And Ms. Frizzle does that, with every single episode!

botelhok228 — 2025-10-24 08:43:52 UTC

Hello, I have chosen Bloodline By my absolutely favorite singer, Alex Warren. I have chosen this song because it showcases that who your family is does not dictate what you can grow up to achieve. I relate to this song because it is about not letting a label define you. Alex Warren's song with Jellyroll is also about overcoming obstacles and that is exactly what i intend to do this semester.

escarcegaa403 — 2025-10-24 19:14:11 UTC

Hello my name is Angelina Escarcega but everyone best knows me as Angie. I chose the song because I believe it says a message about perseverance and rising against challenges you may face. Some days may be harder than others and mistakes are going to be made along the way. It's how you react and what you do moving forward is what counts. I have faced challenges within these past couple of months but I have not given up and am not letting the past or even my mistakes hold me back or define me. That's what I want to teach the younger generation, in the face of adversity there is always a way out and to always believe yourself even when things get tough. Keep moving forward for what is best for you and what you would like to do.

2025-10-25 21:41:14 UTC

Hey hi hello everyone, my name is Nancy Garcia, I have picked "I Never Lie" by: Zach Top for my song introduction. I have chosen this song because Zach Top is one of my favorite singers. I relate to this song because there is a verse in it where it says "I sleep like a baby
I never show up late for work" This song relates to me because I never show up late for work. I am working towards being a teacher. I am excited to be in this class and looking forward to getting to know everyone.

lewisa419 — 2025-10-26 00:53:03 UTC

Hello, my name is Ashlynn Lewis. I chose the song Youth by Shawn Mendez ft. Khalid. The reason why I picked this song is because this song talks about how nothing can take away our youth, and that we can stand strong. I believe that youth have the power to make their own decisions especially as they grow older, this song relates to me, because I always related to other people instead of thinking for myself, and this song reminds me that I can use my own thoughts and ideas. I can use this in my teaching to remind students that it is alright to have your own thoughts and opinions and that no one can take it away from you. Best of luck everyone!

aranzulloh106 — 2025-10-26 22:26:26 UTC

Hello my name is Hayley Aranzullo and i picked "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles! I think this song has a great perspective on life and motivation. In the end of the day all you need is love and you can accomplish anything, and i think that's a great perspective to have when teaching little children. Coming from a not-so-great childhood, sometimes all the love some students receive is from teachers and their peers. I've instilled kindness into my children, we are all huge Beatles fans and i hope to spread that same love and happiness to my future students!

morenok253 — 2025-10-27 01:01:30 UTC

Hello everyone, my name is Karyme Moreno and I chose the song Don't Stop Believin' by Journey. I chose this song because it inspires me to not stop believing in my class and for them to not give up and to not stop believing in themselves. I also chose this song because it will help my students know that even though things get hard or sad that their dreams can still come true if they continue to try hard and persevere. I want to be that teacher that has a safe and positive environment and that they have the confidence to be themselves and succeed in my classroom.