My name is Jennifer Moreno Calix and I am currently an elementary school counselor. Throughout my career, I have served as a high school mathematics teacher, first-year teacher mentor, and department chair. In my perspective, teaching has been one of the most important aspects of my life as it has given me the opportunity to not only interact with many individuals and help them grow academically but has also given me the blessing of being able to continue to grow as a professional and as a person. As a teacher, being able to work with students everyday has motivated me to seek ways in which I can help them be successful academically but also gain the tools necessary to become healthy, stable, productive members and leaders of our society.
In 2020, our educational community went through an overnight transition to the digital world due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Needless to say, being able to learn, adapt, and continue to deliver quality instruction despite the unusual circumstances became a necessity. To address these needs and further refine my pedagogic skills, I entered the Learning, Technology, and Design Masters of Science Program at Houston Baptist University. In the program, I learned about instructional design and strategies that not only enhance instruction promoting digital citizenship inside the classroom but can also be amplified to a larger context improving communication, providing education, and instilling a sense of community. I consider mental health awareness a cornerstone of my pedagogic identity. It is something we should focus on not just for the students but for everyone within the learning community. We all need support. Through the Professional School Counselor program at Houston Baptist University, I learned how to combine both my educational background, experiences, as well as acquired knowledge to amplify my reach and impact in the community. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctor of Education Degree in Baylor University's Learning and Organizational Change program in order to continue learning, refining my skills, and understanding more about the education system. Having the appropriate knowledge and preparation can open the doors to multiple opportunities to continue to make impact within my learning community. |
"Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world"
-Nelson Mandela