Instructor II/ELLM Director
"Earning a master's degree not only provides advancement and often times a pay increase but it also helps you gain specialized knowledge and current best practices in the field of education."
Degrees Held:
Career Highlights:
Published research on dyslexia, Literacy Festival connecting authors and students from Title I schools, simSchool—a Simulated Classroom and its effect on increasing the understanding of the needs of diverse learners; and flipped learning. I have been teaching in higher education since 2009, and taught in K-12 (from hard-of-hearing high school and middle school students in Illinois and Texas to elementary students in Arkansas, Michigan and Florida) for approximately 20 years in both public and private schools.
Links to share:
Johnston, V., Dibella, K. & Martelli, C.D. (2016, Oct. 13). Disciplinary literacy and the value of making connections [International Literacy Association Blog]. Article posted to LiteracyDaily—Teaching Tips. Retrieved from http://www.literacyworldwide.org/blog/literacy-daily/2016/10/13/disciplinary-literacy-and-the-value-of-making-connections
Johnston, V. & Mackereth, J. (2016). Flipped learning: A PDS literacy partnership NAPDS: Stories From The Field. Retrieved from http://napds.org/stories-from-the-field/flipped-learning-a-pds-literacy-partnership/
Which online degree program(s) do you teach?
Which classes do you teach online?
EDG 6329: Reflective Practitioner
LAE 6325: Language Arts Methods
What do you want your students to learn in these courses? What's the takeaway?
I have a constructivist view of learning that takes into account the learning environment, providing an environment that not only motivates the learner but also builds the self-esteem of students. It is concerned with teaching with a purpose in mind, presenting information through a variety of modalities (visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic) and scaffolding the instruction accordingly. EDG 6329: Reflective Practitioner focuses on best practices to improve teaching and learning in the K-12 classroom by teaching teachers and practitioners how to reflect and critique their own teaching; LAE 6325: Language Arts Methods focuses on contemporary approaches to instruction in literature, language and language development, oral and written composition, corrective and developmental reading, and study skills in the context of adolescent learning characteristics.
When did you start teaching?
In K12--1983; in higher education, 2009
What advice would you give to your online students?
Review the Tips for online learning found: https://www.fgcu.edu/online/studentresources/howtosucceed.aspx
Everything is posted in Canvas to enable you to succeed in this class. There is a Communication Plan posted under the Resource section in order to help you, as well. Be sure to always click on the Modules tab to view the course materials and weekly course assignments and schedule. ALWAYS START IN THE MODULES, as it provides you with a weekly course progression and provides you with all of the resources and materials needed for that week.
What is the benefit of a master's degree for teachers?
Earning a master's degree not only provides advancement and often times a pay increase but it also helps you gain specialized knowledge and current best practices in the field of education.
How do you see online learning affecting the future of education?
The convenience and flexibility of online learning allows students to advance their learning around their needs and schedules.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
“Creative Schools” by Ken Robinson
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students might not know:
I used to be fluent in sign language.
