Since that August twenty two years ago, I've learned a few things. Mostly from watching great teachers and stealing their best ideas. I was hired to work at ESSDACK nine years ago to focus on Social Studies issues but these days you can find me working in a variety of areas.
“My first love will always be history but I’ve really enjoyed getting involved more on the tech side of education. There’s so much that we can do with new tools and teaching strategies to tap into how the brain works.”
Some of my current work includes finding ways to integrate video games and simulations into instruction. This research often involves playing the games with my fifteen-year old son.
“ . . . it’s tough work but if it means making a difference with just one kid, I gotta be there."
I also spend time working with school districts to implement curriculum mapping projects and guide classroom teachers through the process of creating high-quality Understanding by Design units. Other work includes developing training on the integration of reading and writing indicators into K-8 social studies curriculum.
I recently redesigned my web site and am in the process of adding addtional web 2.0 content. The most recent addition is a Tip of the Week that will also be sent via an automatic email program to interested teachers.
“What I love is the chance to work with a wide range of people and to learn new stuff. I’m always amazed at the experience and knowledge of the people I work with; keeping up is a constant challenge!"
Prior to coming to the Educational Service & Staff Development Association of Central Kansas in 2000 as a social studies curriculum specialist, I taught for five years in the Social Science department at Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kansas. Before that, I spent almost a decade at Derby Middle School working with 8th graders. Throughout the years, I've taught a variety of content including Kansas History, American History, World History and World Geography.
As a state certified standards trainer with a Master’s degree in American History, I am able to facilitate curriculum and assessment writing for schools and districts as well as research-based best practices in Social Studies. I lead technology integration conversations on topics such as blogging, social networks, video games & simulations, web literacy, and provide support in copyright/plagiarism issues.
I enjoy playing golf, surfing the Web, reading just about any history non-fiction book and watching my kids play middle school and high school sports.
I'm spending most of my time on Plurk nowadays but you can follow me in a variety of ways:
Email - glennw at essdack.org
Skype - glennw98
iChat - glennw00@mac.com
Plurk - glennw98
Twitter - glennw98
Slideshare - glennw98
delicious - glennw98
You can also contact me at:
ESSDACK
1500 E. 11th
Hutchinson, Kansas 67501
620-663-9566
