We are honored to introduce our latest featured member, Pam Lowe, a fourth grade eMINTS (enhancing Missouri’s Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies) teacher at O’Neal Elementary in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She is also a published author who has written articles and a workbook about Missouri history. Pam's eCoach, Gayle Cantrell told us, " Pam was in one of my first eMINTS groups. She has grown more than you can imagine. She is also very active in her school. She does a lot of training with the teachers in the district and is a part of the grant writing committee as well as many others. She often inspires me to move forward and I love the work we do together."
We interviewed Pam to find out more about her:
When did you first start teaching and what inspired you to be a teacher?
I started teaching in 1994. Throughout my childhood, my parents placed such importance on education; consequently my sister and I both became teachers. I’ve also had teachers who were positive role models, even as late as in my college level courses. They live in my memory as testaments of the influence teachers can wield with their students. I hope I am that kind of teacher to my students. As difficult as teaching can be at times, it is a profession that gives back to the educator in innumerable ways.
While being a classroom teacher, Pam is also a teacher leader at her school and part of the eMINTS Veteran Teacher Pilot Program using My eCoach® Online. We asked Pam how the program was working for her.
I have been an eMINTS teacher since 2000 and am considered a veteran eMINTS teacher. I enjoy challenges and opportunities to grow as an educator and joining My eCoach® was right up my alley. Many new learning experiences and techniques have and continue to be introduced since I became an eMINTS teacher. My eCoach® provides a venue to keep abreast of new techniques and concepts. It also allows me the chance to share in a professional learning community. It gives teachers the opportunity to engage in constructivist curriculum discussions, work collaboratively online together and share ideas; in addition to having access to eMINTS professional development materials. I am now a member of a network of educators that I otherwise would not get the opportunity to collaborate with on exciting new projects. That experience alone is invaluable.
How is coaching making a difference with you?
It’s an exciting time to be a teacher. The NCLB legislation has set in motion a ripple of change and technological advances have made it a stimulating time to be a teacher and/or learner. The next few years should be prove to be historical. For those reasons, coaching is making a significant difference with teachers with whom I am working. I’m using My eCoach® to support teachers and students with the emphasis on learning through the constructivist theory and the use of essential questions to inspire thinking and creating connections that foster lifelong learners. I have found that teachers enjoy having the support of eCoaches and especially the interaction and collaboration with other teachers.
Mapping Communication Arts 3rd Grade Standards Links to websites for each benchmark meeting Standard 1. There are links to other WRLs for the other Communication Arts standards for Grade 3.
So You Say You Want a Revolution? Teacher Guide How does political reform influence the average Missouri student? Students will research this topic as they take on the role of intern for the Governor of Missouri. Pam co-authored this project with Amye Cooley, Julie Thompson, and Treena Murray.
My ePortfolio Pam's online portfolio of her work as a teacher, author, and My eCoach® Online member. (Be sure to click on the Resources section in Pam's ePortfolio to view a complete listing of Pam's projects created in My eCoach® Online and links to other projects published on her own website.)
Mrs. Lowe's Class Pam's classroom website. An excellent site that provides information for Pam's students and parents and also for other teachers with useful links, lesson ideas, and other resources.
