Who am I and why I have decided to blog.

I have been trying to blog for over a year now.  One of my new year’s resolutions of 2015 was to blog.  It didn’t happen.  So, here I am again.

Me

I am a teacher and a Mom.  Before I became a teacher, I worked in business as a consultant for a firm called Accenture.  I never dreamed that I would become a teacher.  As a teenager and college student, I wanted a job where I could travel the world.  I majored in French and International Studies and minored in German.  I always thought that I would work in International Business.  It is interesting how life does not always go the way you think it should go.

My husband, Mark, and I got together just before he started law school.  I was at Accenture and I traveled 100% of my time.  Something had to give.  I couldn’t travel that much and he couldn’t work the hours that he was required to work, if we wanted to have a family one day.  So, I decided to become a teacher and teach French.

As everything seems to come full circle, so did my career.  I left consulting, became a teacher and am now out of the classroom working with teachers, feeling like I am consulting.  It’s funny how things work out.  I love my job and wouldn’t change a thing.  I always get asked if I miss the classroom.  Yes and no.  I miss the students and seeing them grow over the course of a year.   I miss inspiring them to speak French, travel and broaden their horizons.  But, now, I feel like I have a greater influence on the student population.  I inspire teachers.  I watch teachers grow, take risks, learn; all for the benefit of their students.

Why blog?

I have two boys.  Will is in 2nd grade and Zach is in Kindergarten.  I am often approached by parents at their school and asked what apps I recommend, or what I think about a book, or movie, or TV show.  As much as I love talking about all of this, I want to provide a resource to parents and teachers.  I want there to be a location where I can document my thoughts on the Ed Tech and non-Ed Tech learning and instructional tools out there.  As a parent (and as a teacher) all of the resources can become overwhelming.  I hope to sort through those resources and make it a little bit more manageable for you.

Always Teaching.

I feel like I am always teaching.  This is a good thing because I love to teach and share my passion with those around me.  I hope that through this blog, you will find ways to teach your students and your children.  There is always a teachable moment.  You just have to know what to do with that moment.

Contact Me

Ann Radefeld

annmradefeld@gmail.com

@AnnRad21