All+About+Me

**My Life**: I'd like to take this opportunity to allow each of you to get to know a little bit about me. I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta Canada; therefore I know a thing or two about snowy weather! Both of my parents are teachers, and excellent ones to say the least. My mom actually chose my name because her first year of teaching she had a girl with a very similar name and loved it. After altering it a little bit I ended up with my name, Daralynne Harris. Growing up I always said I wanted to become a teacher but when I graduated high school I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go to school. I spent some time working in a bank and gained some experience in a 'business-oriented' job. Then in 2007 I decided to fly across the world to Australia. I spent January 2008 until July 2008 exploring, studying, and loving Australia. It was an experience that will always be in my top 10 favorite memories. After going back to Canada for a year I decided it was time to go back to school. I chose to leave the country again and come to Denver, Colorado and attend Metropolitan State College of Denver. I absolutely adore Colorado; it is a beautiful state that has so much to offer in every season. It's safe to say I also love to travel. The world is so diverse, unique, and beautiful in every place. The picture above is of me with my boyfriend, Tyler, and one of our favorite Disney characters, Stitch, in Disneyworld. I find joy in things such as music, dancing, reading, and painting, but most importantly it is the relationships I have in my life that bring me joy. I wouldn't be where I am today without them and am truly thankful for them.

**My Educational Philosophy**: I believe that educators have the wonderful opportunity to make a difference in a child's life every day. As an educator I think it is important to recognize that every child is an individual with his or her own interests, struggles, passions, and story. It is extremely important to recognize and understand their story. By knowing a child as an individual I believe that teachers can help students deepen their roots in education and find innovative ways to learn. Children deserve to feel comfortable in the classroom and to not be afraid to be who they are. I believe that challenging children, while giving them support, encouragement, and knowledge will build the educational foundation today that they will utilize tomorrow. Every child deserves the opportunity for education and educators need to be a support to these children. I want to constantly adapt my classroom and understand the importance of creativity. Finally, as the teacher, I will never forget that my students can teach me also. I am constantly learning and growing myself and I know how deeply my students will challenge me.

**My View of Technology-based Learning**: Growing up my classroom wasn't nearly as technologically advanced as I have witnessed in the 21st century classroom. Although we had opportunities to experiment with tools such as the Internet we definitely weren't exposed to all of the wonderful utilities there are now. The Internet is exploding with new concepts, ideas, and programs and as we advance in these discoveries we have the opportunity to take advantage of the things available to us. I believe it is important to recognize the value that exists within technology today. It is easy to fall back on what we already know and teach in the way that we were taught, but there is something essential about being able to keep up with our fast pace society and open ourselves to new opportunity. As a teacher I want to be dedicated to meeting students where they are. Being able to relate to students will help them to feel comfortable in a classroom setting. It is my desire that I find inventive ways to teach and allow students to express themselves in multiple forms. I strongly believe that technology is important to use in the classroom as it offers such creative ways to expand knowledge. We see technology in everyday life and know that it is an expanding force each and every day. I want to take full advantage of all of the wonderful things we can do with technology. I won't always rely on technology and will give students fair opportunity to take advantage of technology during class time. The things we do with technology will be accessible through this site and I hope each of you enjoy looking through each child's work. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to be a 21st century teacher that can help students discover and learn through multiple tools and give them the opportunity to be creative and successful. I want to take full advantage of all of the strategies available that will help students grow in knowledge, understanding, and awareness of the world around them.

**Why Should You Hire Me?**: Being a teacher is a gift. Not only do you give the gift of education to students but you also receive a gift. As a teacher you learn, grow, and receive the joy that comes from having a positive impact on a students life. I believe that I have the determination and heart that it takes to be a teacher. Helping children discover, grow in knowledge, and presenting the opportunity to be creative is a passion of mine. I work well with other people and enjoy being part of a team. I have a positive attitude and am extremely organized. It is my desire to be the best teacher I know how to be and to invest my whole heart into every child's life.  media type="custom" key="9129216" align="center"