About

About the Title:  During the summer of 2011, I discovered Edmodo. When school started, I used Edmodo to provide instruction for my students. It was their homework to complete short assignments and come better prepared for class discussions and activities. In essence, I was "flipping" instruction before I had even heard of the term. Using Edmodo to deliver background knowledge, to facilitate discussions, to assess learning through online polls/quizzes, etc. completely revolutionized my teaching. It opened up a whole new world of web 2.0 tools to me and the rest as they say is history. I started on a journey of integrating tech, flipping, and gamifying my class. Learning so much technology has overloaded my brain! I'm not a natural techy at all; although, I've learned so much the last few years that some would argue that point. The actual title, "My Brain is Upside Down" comes from a story one of my 6th graders wrote about 20 years ago. Thank you, Matt!

About Me:  Teaching has been my passion since I was a kid! I was always playing "school", teaching my siblings and neighbors, and many of my stuffed animals. When I was 15, I had the opportunity to teach at an educational summer camp. I loved it! My love for 5th graders grew from teaching there for seven summers. I graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and a minor in social studies in 1987. My first teaching assignment was teaching 5th grade and I've been blessed to work with that age of kids for most of my career. I've also taught 3-6th grades and I've loved each grade for different reasons. Although I've taught 5th grade, I've worked with students of all ages by teaching many extracurricular classes. The Arts are close to my heart and I've directed many school musicals and musical programs. I've also coached debate, drama, and directed student council leadership groups. One of my favorite after school projects was teaching extra science classes. It was so fun to see so many "ah-ha" looks on students' faces. 

This year I'm starting my 28th year of teaching! Time flies when you're having fun! I'm also starting my administration program and am excited and apprehensive at the same time to take that journey. I've never had a desire to be an administrator, but I feel myself being pulled like a magnet in that direction. Maybe that comes from my love of helping other teachers and my wish to make a difference in the lives of  kids.

I could list some accolades and awards, but the ones that mean the most to me are from my students. They are MY kids! They inspire me! They bring me JOY!

Follow me on Twitter @sandeeteach