All About Amazing Andrea!!!Hello, I'm Andrea Echols. I am mother, daughter, and educator. My family is the most important part of my life. I am a NC transplant from IL. I moved here in 2007 to be closer to my sister and to provide a great opportunity for my daughter to prosper. We love being so close to the beach and the mountains. Reading and shopping with the other 2 AEs are my favorite things to do.
I am currently in my 11th year as an elementary school teacher and I love my 2nd grade darlings! It is amazing to watch how much they grow everyday! |
Cultural Connections Project 1: Global Collaborative Project (Video Synopsis)
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Cultural Connections Project 2: Scripted Duologue (GoAnimate)
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Cultural Collections Project 1: Finnish Themes (Google Maps)
- NCSU Map 1, Wolves
- NCSU Map 2, Summer on Campus
- Helsinki Map 1, Design Economy
- Helsinki Map 2, Arts
- Helsinki Map 3, Public Markets and Market Halls
- Helsinki Map 4, Food and Drink
- Helsinki Map 5, Helsinki at Play
- Helsinki Map 6, Helsinki in Motion
Cultural Collections Project 2: Tour Guide (History Pin)
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Cultural Collections Project 3: Finnish History (MyHistro)
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Cultural Collections Project 4: Curated Collection of Objects (Voicethread)
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Cultural Reflections Project 1: Where I'm From Poem (Prezi)
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Cultural Reflections Project 2: The Last Word on Finnish Lessons 2.0
As I read Finnish Lessons 2.0 , there were a few differences that resonated deeply with me. First, as a second career teacher, my first academic interest was sociology. I have always been interested in the social injustices within our country, becoming an educator allowed me to focus more on education than judicial. On page 28,”The equal opportunity principle insisted that all students be offered a fair chance to be successful and enjoy learning” is also my philosophy for education; however, expectations of my school district do not always align with this philosophy. Equal opportunities are not always available within the same town, let alone school district. Based upon “data”, it is “suggested” which students receive more resources and instruction, regardless of my concerns for my class.
This leads me to another difference the importance of teachers in the Finnish school system. I remember as a 3rd year teacher, I attended a mathematics training where we informed that teaching is not thought upon as a professional career. We are not respected nor revered as other impactful careers, due to our lack of certain attributes. It was difficult to believe at the time, but now I definitely feel that is true in our state. My educational knowledge, as well as my awareness of my students’ needs are ignored or sidelined in deference to policies and monitoring. We are not allowed the same professional autonomy as our Finnish counterparts. As a second career teacher, the program I chose to utilize is not an option in Finland, which is disheartening because that disqualifies possibly great teachers; however, with the rigors of becoming a teacher in Finland I can understand why. Despite the educational path taken to become a teacher, the knowledge we garnered as well as the continuing hours of professional development do not seem to matter as much as test scores.
The book spoke of equity and the new immigrants, but I am still unclear of how they are addressing the amount of students that do not speak the native languages. Also, do they have programs similar to our ESL.
In chapter one, topic of Improving Educational Attainment, there was a mention of additional tenth grade, what exactly does that encompass? I know repetition of a grade is frowned upon, but is that the same?
As I read Finnish Lessons 2.0 , there were a few differences that resonated deeply with me. First, as a second career teacher, my first academic interest was sociology. I have always been interested in the social injustices within our country, becoming an educator allowed me to focus more on education than judicial. On page 28,”The equal opportunity principle insisted that all students be offered a fair chance to be successful and enjoy learning” is also my philosophy for education; however, expectations of my school district do not always align with this philosophy. Equal opportunities are not always available within the same town, let alone school district. Based upon “data”, it is “suggested” which students receive more resources and instruction, regardless of my concerns for my class.
This leads me to another difference the importance of teachers in the Finnish school system. I remember as a 3rd year teacher, I attended a mathematics training where we informed that teaching is not thought upon as a professional career. We are not respected nor revered as other impactful careers, due to our lack of certain attributes. It was difficult to believe at the time, but now I definitely feel that is true in our state. My educational knowledge, as well as my awareness of my students’ needs are ignored or sidelined in deference to policies and monitoring. We are not allowed the same professional autonomy as our Finnish counterparts. As a second career teacher, the program I chose to utilize is not an option in Finland, which is disheartening because that disqualifies possibly great teachers; however, with the rigors of becoming a teacher in Finland I can understand why. Despite the educational path taken to become a teacher, the knowledge we garnered as well as the continuing hours of professional development do not seem to matter as much as test scores.
The book spoke of equity and the new immigrants, but I am still unclear of how they are addressing the amount of students that do not speak the native languages. Also, do they have programs similar to our ESL.
In chapter one, topic of Improving Educational Attainment, there was a mention of additional tenth grade, what exactly does that encompass? I know repetition of a grade is frowned upon, but is that the same?
Cultural Reflections Project 3: Travel Writing (Blog)
Post to group "Travel Blog" and repost here...
Post to group "Travel Blog" and repost here...
Cultural Reflections Project 4: Finnish Book Club (GoodReads)
Repost GoodReads review here...
Repost GoodReads review here...
Cultural Reflections Project 5: Bio Poem on Self and Famous Finn (Fotobabble)
Cultural Reflections Project 6: Immersive Narratives (Bubbli)
NC State (2-scene): |
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Helsinki (4-scene):
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Cultural Reflections Project 8: Impressions of Finland (Meme Generator)