Since writing is so often such personal work and since I learn so much about my students through their writing, I figure it is only fair if I share a little bit about myself.
So here goes -
I've been teaching one thing or another at San Mateo Adult School since March of 1998. I taught a Tues/Thurs evening version of this class for two years. I've taught "face to face" ESL, Memoirs, Learn Through Play, and worked as co-director of the Chadbourne Senior Center - all for the Adult School. Currently I teach this class, Saturday Parent Ed classes, work in the Distance Learning Center, and do outreach for the ESL program.
I've also taught video, art to kids,worked as a substitute teacher in San Francisco, and tutored students privately.
I'm a writer. Writing flows in and out of my life. Sometimes there's more time for it. Sometimes there's less. The birth of my daughter has definitely given me more to write about but less time to do it in. (To see a pic of my daughter and me CLICK HERE.) I don't mind that because I believe that living life is more important than writing about it. I also believe that living teaches you about writing. You just have to know the tricks to learning that. Teaching you those tricks is one of my goals for this class.
I used to spend a lot of time writing, making art, dancing, drumming, gardening and a whole lot of other things. But being the working single mom of an eight year old leaves a little less time for those things (and demands a little more for trips to the park, Ft. Funston and school events, not to mention laundry, cooking and dishes). I try to put my focus on enjoying life and sharing what I enjoy with my daughter. As all of you know, that can be a challenge. But as you also know, anything good always comes with challenges.
I've had about a million jobs and came to teaching fairly late in life. I never wanted to become a teacher because there are many teachers in my family (including my mother) and I saw how much work was involved. The teachers in my family were tired at the end of their day. But they were also satisfied, and never bored, and told me the kinds of stories which showed me they were learning as much as they were teaching. I liked that.
Gradually I also discovered a calling in me to teach, mostly to share the things I felt had done so much for me. This is why I teach writing, because I believe in the power of the written word to open things - minds, hearts, doors, people. I also wanted to share some of the things everyone needs to thrive in this culture. As we all know, one of those things is English.
I've had my own struggles where writing is concerned and can well relate to those of you who do also. I've also had a few ups and downs in the classroom so if school is something you have not always enjoyed, I can relate to that as well.
For those of you interested in my credentials, I have a B.A. in Ethnic Studies from U.C. Berkeley, an M.A. in Creative Arts from San Francisco State, a T.E.F.L. (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certificate and an Adult Education Credential. I've been to a lot of schools and I know a lot about financial aid and student loans, so feel free to ask me about those topics. I'll be happy to share what I've learned along the way.
Whatever your story or mine, I hope my teaching style serves to meet your needs. Please help me by telling me what you need and how I can help you..
One of the things I miss by teaching on-line is the face to face interaction possible in a "real" classroom. I don't know if you need more help or less just by looking at the expression on your face and I don't get to see your eyes light up when something finally makes sense. I try to work around that through things like the Write Share Project and by asking that you tell me if you are confused or overwhelmed.
So keep me posted! Let me know what does and doesn't confuse you. Ask me questions. And if you've got a funny story, send that along, too. As those of you who have met me in person know, I love to laugh!
