I am Mr. Thomas. I am 38 years old, and I am married to another school teacher. I have two little girls I have been teaching about 8 years. I have a
BS in Advertising/ and Public Relations and a minor in Religion.
M.Ed in Education. Before I became a teacher, I was in social work.
The best thing I liked about social work was when I worked with kids. I was a house parent to kids in a residential treatment facility. Then I worked for CPS in Florida, not much fun. I decided to go back to school, and become a teacher. (best move ever!)
I taught middle school previous to my elementary experience. I have a technology certification. In the last 7 years, I have taught:
Computer Applications
Journalism
Web Design
Interactive Media (video game design)
Yearbook
6th grade English Language Arts
8th grade English Language Arts
Broadcast Media
5th grade US History
Technology Applications
5th grade Science
Robotics (Club, not a class)
4th grade Reading (whew!)
My teaching style is a little different; as I try to emphasize creativity, thinking outside of the box, and use a hybrid of in-class and on-line project based learning. I'm not a fan of testing, but I like more authentic and original styles of exhibiting learning. There are standardized test throughout the year that I must give, and students will be informed in advance.
The pictures above are my family backpacking in Colorado, and a hike in Arkansas (on the cliff!), Guadalupe Peak (highest point in Texas), a 40mph windy day in Mexico, and my wife and I atop Guadalupe Peak.
While I am technology teacher, I have mixed emotions about the technology in our lives. I don't like video games, facebook, or social media. I don't watch much TV and don't let my children watch much TV. While technology is a tool, it has a place, and moderation in my own life. I think many kids today have too many screens in their face each day. I limit screen time in my own children and in my classroom. That being said, my classes are rich with technology, in a moderate way:)
I am always excited about what I am about to do in teaching. I have so many ideas, and so little time. This year's classes will be receiving Google Apps accounts and be a part of a Google Classroom. Students will collaborate, research and be a part of an online classroom tool. We will be participating in 'Genius Hour'. I have many more goals, but have to pick my ideas carefully or I get bogged down in too much for one year.
There is always more to come...
Mr. Thomas
BS in Advertising/ and Public Relations and a minor in Religion.
M.Ed in Education. Before I became a teacher, I was in social work.
The best thing I liked about social work was when I worked with kids. I was a house parent to kids in a residential treatment facility. Then I worked for CPS in Florida, not much fun. I decided to go back to school, and become a teacher. (best move ever!)
I taught middle school previous to my elementary experience. I have a technology certification. In the last 7 years, I have taught:
Computer Applications
Journalism
Web Design
Interactive Media (video game design)
Yearbook
6th grade English Language Arts
8th grade English Language Arts
Broadcast Media
5th grade US History
Technology Applications
5th grade Science
Robotics (Club, not a class)
4th grade Reading (whew!)
My teaching style is a little different; as I try to emphasize creativity, thinking outside of the box, and use a hybrid of in-class and on-line project based learning. I'm not a fan of testing, but I like more authentic and original styles of exhibiting learning. There are standardized test throughout the year that I must give, and students will be informed in advance.
The pictures above are my family backpacking in Colorado, and a hike in Arkansas (on the cliff!), Guadalupe Peak (highest point in Texas), a 40mph windy day in Mexico, and my wife and I atop Guadalupe Peak.
While I am technology teacher, I have mixed emotions about the technology in our lives. I don't like video games, facebook, or social media. I don't watch much TV and don't let my children watch much TV. While technology is a tool, it has a place, and moderation in my own life. I think many kids today have too many screens in their face each day. I limit screen time in my own children and in my classroom. That being said, my classes are rich with technology, in a moderate way:)
I am always excited about what I am about to do in teaching. I have so many ideas, and so little time. This year's classes will be receiving Google Apps accounts and be a part of a Google Classroom. Students will collaborate, research and be a part of an online classroom tool. We will be participating in 'Genius Hour'. I have many more goals, but have to pick my ideas carefully or I get bogged down in too much for one year.
There is always more to come...
Mr. Thomas