NCCAT Teacher Leadership Institute by Alton Ballance https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6 So that we can make the most of our time at NCCAT--as well as begin to build supportive networks with other educators across North Carolina--let's get to know one another. Please share where you live, and one thing professional, personal and peculiar. Also, in a separate paragraph, please share any leadership positions you hold (or have held) at your school, district, or state level. en-us 2017-06-16 18:22:42 UTC 2017-07-07 21:38:45 UTC hello@padlet.com Alton Ballance - Ocracoke ballancea https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/176690704 Professional: I am a faculty member at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), where I design and conduct seminars and other programs for public school teachers, mostly at our Ocracoke campus. Before working for NCCAT I taught at Ocracoke School. 

Personal: I still live in the same Ocracoke house where my mother was born and lived all of her 77 years. I have two daughters, Maddie and Emma Reese.

Peculiar:  I once represented the island on the Hyde County Board of Commissioners.  In all my years working with NCCAT teachers, I have only met two who also served in an elected office.

]]> 2017-06-16 18:26:53 UTC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/176690704 Beth Crosby- Gaston County https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/176906978 Professional: I am a fifth grade teacher at McAdenville Elementary, in McAdenville, NC. I live in Belmont, another small town about five minutes from my school! I have taught every grade except fourth grade over the past sixteen years. My school has about 200 students K-5.

Personal: I'm a proud soccer mom of two boys ages six and twelve! My husband is in law enforcement, and we stay busy between soccer, scouts, and our church.

Peculiar: I was a contestant on the Price is Right about eight years ago. I was on a spring break trip with my mom and mother in law. I won some cool things!

Leadership: I currently serve on my School Improvement Team, and have served as co-chair in the past, PLC Facilitator,  and coach several teams in my school (Battle of the Books, Lego Robotics Team,  and Math Masters). In my district, I serve in the Teacher Leadership Cohort and Pinnacle Network, which is a technology cohort in our county. I also serve as a teacher mentor to beginning teachers at Belmont Abbey College.]]> 2017-06-19 20:52:48 UTC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/176906978 Lisa Godwin - Onslow County https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/176997946 Professional:  I am a kindergarten teacher at Dixon Elementary School, in Holly Ridge, North Carolina.  I have viewed education through many different lenses. I began my journey in education in 1997 as an Instructional Assistant and later received my Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in 2003 and my Master in School Administration in 2009 from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.  I taught for 6 years and then served as an assistant principal for 5 years.  While working in administration, I began to get "homesick" for the classroom and returned to teaching in 2013. 

Personal:  I have been married for 26 years and have twin sons. We live on Topsail Island, where our family owns 50 South Surf Shop.  I am an active member of our church and sing in the praise and worship band. I enjoy water sports, reading and watching movies.

Peculiar: I began working in tobacco when I was 5 years old and actively participated in buying my own school clothes and school supplies each year from the money I earned. I also drove a school bus in high school and then again when I was an instructional assistant.

Leadership:  I serve on my school's "Leader in Me - Lighthouse Team" and work as a mentor in our Beginning Teacher Program.  I am a member of our district's ESSA Team and  serve on the Superintendent's Advisory Committee.  I am the Southeast Region Teacher of the Year and was named North Carolina Teacher of the Year in May 2017.
 ]]> 2017-06-20 15:21:36 UTC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/176997946 Deborah Brown- Research Triangle High School (Durham County Public Charter School) https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177010055 Professional:  I've been a high school English & Theater teacher for 29 years, starting my career in NY and then moving to Carolina in the late 90s. I taught in Wake County Public schools for many years and then 6 years ago I jumped ship to help open Research Triangle High School, an independent public charter STEM school based on the idea of project based learning, flipping & personalized learning. I manage my own YouTube channel of English Language Arts lessons that is now getting daily hits from all over the world. AT RTHS I also run the yearbook, coordinate graduation & all things "seniors," and coach a highly decorated speech & debate team.

Personal: I live in Cary & I've been married to my high school sweetheart for 30 years this fall, and we have 2 children, a son who graduated from NC State a year ago and a daughter who just graduated from UNC. (Don't come around during basketball season-- not only are we a "house divided" for UNC and State but my husband and I are both Syracuse University alumni : )   When not in school (although it feels like I'm always at school!) I sing with two groups at our church, and love reading, traveling, shopping, cheering for the NY Mets and the Carolina Hurricanes, and binge watching TV shows that are probably bad for me.

Peculiar: I worked a summer during college at the Stirling Renaissance Faire in upstate NY as a pub wench in the "Bless the Mark" players.  I got to run around in hoop skirts and laced bodices all summer-- and yes, eat those giant turkey legs!

Leadership: I've been the English Department Chair at Wellwood School in New York and at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High, and am currently serving as the English Dept Chair and Director of Professional Development at Research Triangle High School. I've been a formal mentor and cooperating teacher to dozens of student teachers and BTs over the years, and served on numerous leadership & chair positions for School Improvement Teams, Curriculum Councils, Character Education, and the like. I am a frequent presenter at state and more recently national level conferences on using flipping and active, creative and social approaches to the language arts classroom. (I'm looking forward to returning to NCCAT as a participant-- I have a seminar on flipping where I've been a presenter for NCCAT for a half dozen or so times.) I piloted the national model for iLead21, a student leadership development program, and worked with the authors to create and pilot the second level of the program. Outside of school I've held church leadership roles, served as precinct leader for our local voting district, and served on the Collaborative Planning Board at the North Carolina Museum of Art. ]]> 2017-06-20 17:12:29 UTC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177010055 Leslie Schoof - Madison Early College High School located in Mars Hill, NC (very close to the TN state line) https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177012669 Professional = I just finished up my 19th year of teaching.  I taught 7th grade science for 11 years and then moved up to the high school level where I teach biology and physical science.  I am working on integrating Standards Based Grading into my practice and having a lot of success with student learning using multiple opportunities to allow them to show mastery of the concepts I teach.  

Personal = I have been married for 19 years and have one daughter (Alyssa) who is 12. I am an avid reader (you will never catch me without a book nearby) and I love science fiction/fantasy stories or movies. I also love hiking and backpacking and my husband and I are currently working on section hiking the Appalachian Trail.  We've done almost 350 miles and counting.

Peculiar = I have held all manner of jobs over the years from US Forest Service Trail Crew to "tub girl" at the Hot Spring Spa.  I've been a waitress, an assembly line worker, and an office manager for a whitewater rafting company among many others.

Leadership = I have presented numerous times at NC Science Teacher Association meetings and NCCAT west, I am a member of the NC Science Leadership Association. I have spoken at education rallies on behalf of teachers. I am currently our school's National Honor Society adviser and have been the director of an all girls science exploration group. I piloted the use of the NC State Modeling curriculum in biology and chemistry in my county and spent two weeks with the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences' summer STaRs program. ]]> 2017-06-20 17:39:18 UTC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177012669 Belinda Marino- Moravian Falls Elementary, Wilkes County, NC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177040446 Professional- I am a third grade teacher at Moravian Falls Elementary School, in Wilkes County, North Carolina.  I live in Purlear, North Carolina which a few minutes away from my school.  I have taught for six years.  The first five years of my teaching career,  I taught third grade and last year I taught my first combination class of second and third grade. I have been coaching Girls on the Run for four  years and Science Olympiad for five years.  My school is a small rural school with high poverty with about 250 students and  13 classroom teachers.  I went to Appalachian State University and received my Bachelor's degree in Education k-6, my Master's Degree in Instructional Media Technology and my Administration Licensure Degree. 

Personal-  I love being outdoors.  I enjoy running,  hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and much more.  I have a dog named Joey who is a Chinese Crested.  Last summer he had a herniated disc rupture and is now using a wheel chair to get around.  He is my little champion.  I also have a cat and an African Spur Thigh Tortoise.  I spend my free time staying active and I also enjoy crafts.

Peculiar- I was born and raised in Miami, Florida.  My family and I moved to Ashe County, NC during my Senior year of High School.  This was a major culture shock for me.  It took some time to adapt, but I now truly love the Mountain life.  I travel to Miami often to visit all of my family.  I am fluent in three languages.  Growing up, I learned to speak, write, and read in both English and Spanish.

Leadership- I am on the PBIS team, MTSS team, and Safety team at my school.  I am the head coach for both Science Olympiad and Girls on the Run.  At the district level, I have held trainings on writing across the curriculum, Building Emotional Intelligence with Breathing Buddies, Read to Achieve Process during Summer Camp, and have been invited to be a motivational guest speaker.  I just participated in the BT Summit at my district and in Asheville, NC. 

]]> 2017-06-21 00:14:48 UTC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177040446 Laura Hines- Johnston County https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177320426 Professional- I am a 4th grade teacher at Corinth-Holders Elementary School in Zebulon, NC.  I have also taught 2nd and 3rd grade.    I grew up near Nashville, TN and I received my Bachelor's Degree from Union University.  I have considered getting a t-shirt that says "I survived Union tornado free!" due to the fact my university was hit by a tornado the year before I came (minor damage) and then decimated by a tornado the year after I left (a majority of the campus was leveled).  I just completed my tenth year teaching.

Personal- I am an identical twin.  She is a teacher in the same county as I am but we teach at different schools.  I love reading, watching movies, hiking (especially when waterfalls are involved), and playing games.  Whenever I get a chance I also love to volunteer with Samaritan's Purse both with disaster response and with rebuilding homes.  I first served in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and God truly gave me a passion for this kind of work.  Hurricane Matthew gave me a chance to serve nearby in the aftermath and I am excited to serve both the week before this session and the week after in Tarboro, NC as we work to rebuild houses.

Peculiar- Growing up I always knew I wanted to either be a teacher or an ice cream truck driver.  Teaching won out when I realized I would not get to eat the ice cream for free! 

Leadership- I am currently the AIG lead teacher and Science Kit Coordinator for my school. I have also served on the SIT team, worked with 3 student teachers, and served as a mentor. Two years ago I was named Carolina Panthers Teacher of the week after being nominated by a former student. I have presented multiple times at both my school and for the county. Most recently I presented at the BT Summit for my region. This past year I also served on the calendar committee for our county. That was a uniquely eye opening experience!]]> 2017-06-23 19:49:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177320426 Amy Parker - Perquimans County aparker15 https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177454037 Professional - I am a fifth grade teacher at Hertford Grammar School in Hertford, NC. I have just completed my 29th year of teaching fourth and fifth grade. Even though I have spent my career in the classroom, I have experienced many changes in education. I have seen computers and the Internet become a vital teaching resource and embraced the implementation of common core math strategies.
Personal - I am the mother of two boys, 24 and 20. It is both a challenge and a blessing to be a mother to adult children. One of my favorite things to do with them is sing. I love to hear the blend of our voices. It makes my heart warm.
Peculiar - Having the privilege of teaching in the same area, I have often taught the children of previous students. My Dean of Students/Assistant Principal is one of my former students. I had the opportunity to teach her son this year. I also taught the son of two of my previous students. I tell these students that they are my "grand-students" since I have taught their parents.
Leadership - Earning my Master's Degree, AIG certification, and becoming National Board certified along with my peers from my school, county and region, allowed me to demonstrate leadership in professional growth. I have served on the district AIG team, School Improvement team, safety committee, PBIS team, grade level chairperson, AdvancEd team leader. I have worked with Elizabeth City State to host student teachers and served as a mentor for several new teachers at my school. I began the training process for Math Foundations and led in several trainings in the northeast region. I also serve on the local NCSIP Advisory Team. I recently participated in the Northeast BT Summit. I also lead in my local church as choir director and board member.

]]> 2017-06-26 14:16:09 UTC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177454037 Jordan Hohm - Alamance County https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177556160 Professional: I taught my first year in private school, the last four years in Title I public middle school, and am now headed into an alternative high school. I'm excited to see another avenue of education and look forward to learning a new system.
Personal: I love being outdoors--hiking, camping, exploring... I'm currently in Germany and I just got back from hiking around and exploring the castle in Heidelberg with my wife. I came here with Go Global NC (with Anthony, who will also be at NCCAT) and had a great time studying education in Germany. I was fortunate enough to extend the trip to be able to spend time with my wife here.
Peculiar: When I was young, I was the world's pickiest eater (they called me a starch-a-tarian) Now, I enjoy trying new foods from all different cultures.
Leadership: School Improvement Team, Leadership 2.0 Team, Kenan Fellows, Educational Policy Fellowship Program, Alamance Teacher Leadership Academy, mentor teacher, Alamance-Burlington '16 TOY, Superintendent's Advisory Board
Looking forward to meeting you all!]]> 2017-06-27 13:49:15 UTC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177556160 Adam Reeder - Asheboro City Schools https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177673863 Professional:  I have taught math for 17 years, all of them at Asheboro High School.  I obtained my Bachelor’s degree from NC State in 2000 and my Master’s from Appalachian State in 2013.  I have taught nearly everything from Pre-Algebra to AP Calculus.
 
Personal:  I teach a Sunday School class at my church, and since there is no specified age for the class, there are people in my class in their 20’s, all the way up to one lady that is 92.  There is a wonderful mix of life experiences represented in the class, and I learn more from them than they could ever learn from me.  I also play the guitar and sing at church (and on occasion, at school).
 
Peculiar: When I was student teaching, one of my professors mentioned his math book collection, and where the nearest used bookstore was so we could build our own.  Since then, I have collected over 300 math books.  (I willingly admit that it’s a nerdy hobby.)  They are useful as a reference, both in terms of content and pedagogy and also serve as an interesting lens into the time period in which they were published.  Some that were published during the cold war have a strong emphasis on engineering for military purposes, while one that was published in 1900 has more of an agricultural slant.
 
Leadership:  I serve as the chair of the math department at Asheboro High School as well as the content area coach for the 6th -12th grade math teachers.  In this role, I serve as a liaison between the superintendent of our small system and the math teachers.  I also plan and implement professional development for the math teachers.
]]> 2017-06-28 17:58:09 UTC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177673863 Cathy Belair - Buncombe County Schools https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177742312 Professional: After twenty years in business, I have been teaching 7th grade math for the past 11 years, and I love it! I earned my MAT at WCU in 2010 and became National Board Certified in 2012. 

Personal: I have a two year old granddaughter who lives with me and fills my days with sunshine. 

Peculiar: I was a successful consultant making over $100/hour before deciding to become a teacher. My hours now are just as long, but my satisfaction is much higher!

Leadership: BCS TOY, Team Leader, Department Chair, Co-Chair PBIS, Secretary SIT, Mentor, Kenan Fellow, Advisory Board, Presenter @ several Local, State, and International Conferences.]]> 2017-06-29 13:33:57 UTC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177742312 Juandalynn "Lynn" Ray - Sampson Middle School, Clinton City Schools https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177916648 Professional: My 18 years of teaching experience includes public and private schools, 2nd - 9th grades, and North Carolina and Alabama school systems.  I earned my BA from Elon University and my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University.  I was the first Teaching Fellows from Clinton City Schools in 1988. I am currently the Sandhills Region Teacher of the Year.

Personal:  My son, Marcus, and I moved back to Clinton, NC in 2013 after the death of my mom to assist my dad.  She was my best friend and mentor.  I am teaching in the same school system that I grew up (my old high school) and I knew Mrs. Jean Powell, founder of NCCAT.

Peculiar: I am a very independent, "do-it-yourself", kinda girl.  I can change a tire and the oil in my car.  I am currently remodeling my parents' home and doing most of it myself... ok...some assistance... which is probably why it is taking so long.  I will tinker with almost anything except electrical wiring.  Why burn the house down, right?  

Leadership:  (District) I am currently the middle school's Beginning Teacher Lead Mentor with 10 BTs.  I am a part of CCS's Professional Development team, presenting on topics that are needed for classroom and student success. As CCS's TOY, I was responsible for Teacher Round-Table, serving as a liaison between our Superintendent and our teachers. I was the Director of Blazing Stars, CCS's after school program for grades K-5th grade. (School) I am currently the Curriculum and Instruction Chair, ELA Department Chair, and School Improvement Team Member. I am responsible for 7th Grade Saturday Academy and after school tutorial. I have served as SIT chair, buddy-mentor,  and on many other committees that strive for the improvement of effective instruction and student achievement.]]> 2017-07-03 03:15:10 UTC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/177916648 Carrie Franklin McDowell County Schools carrie_franklin1 https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/178275589 Professional: My name is Carrie Franklin and I am from Marion NC. I went to college at Appalachin State and received a degree in elementary education and Spanish education. I have been teaching for 15 years all at Glenwood Elementary the school I attended as a child. I have always taught first grade but for the past two years I have taught a multi age K-1-2 class.
Personal:  I have two children. Marlee is 12 and Roby is 9. My husband is a PE teacher and basketball coach at our only high school. I love running and spending time yelling at refs during my husband's high school ball games.
Peculiar: I am a huge worry wart and stress over everything!! I am a picky eater but I managed to live in Madrid Spain for a summer with a family and travel throughout Spain. Also my house has been broken into three times!!
Leadership: As our county's teacher of the year I had to speak and present at each monthly meeting for the past year. I started a mentoring program with my husband's basketball team and our school. The program will extend this year with other sports. I am the leader of my grade level and present at many workshops in our county. I am trainer for reading foundations. I am chair of Community parent involvement at my school. I would like to get into bigger roles as this journey continues.]]> 2017-07-07 16:57:01 UTC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/178275589 Jennifer James- Elizabeth City Pasquotank County Schools https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/178285640 Professional: My name is Jennifer and I am originally from Durham, NC. I am a high school CTE Business teacher at Northeastern High School. I attended ECU for my undergraduate degree and I recently obtained my MSA from ECSU. I have been teaching for 10 years and 7 at my current school.
Personal: I have one daughter who is 16 and is a senior this year at my school. My husband builds and restores hot rods, which is his passion. We have one dog and one cat. I work with the school musicals and have  previously taught dance in the area for 9 years. 
Peculiar: I love Criminal Minds and enjoy crime solving shows. Three years ago I installed a serious stereo system in my SUV. My students love it and it was something I wanted in my younger years.
Leadership: This past year has been crazy. I worked with DPI on the Principles of Business curriculum. On this project I worked with re-writes in the course and test question creation. I present yearly at the CTE Summer Conference and this year I presented at the CCSA conference on "Flipped Classroom". I was my school's representative on the district Teacher Advisory Committee, SIT member and teacher representative on the local Educational Foundation. I am a teacher mentor to two beginning teachers and the team lead on our new NHS Math Tube Channel. ]]> 2017-07-07 21:25:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ballancea/m7wnl8ul9bq6/wish/178285640