My name is Norbert.
I was born in Germany oh-so-many years ago. I came to the U.S.A. as a child and am glad to be here. I grew up in New Jersey: lived in Hackensack, Westwood, East Orange, Jersey City, Montclair, and now Clifton (right next to MSU, lucky me).
They say that today's child will have many careers: I think I pioneered the way for them. I've been a community organizer (someone said recently that that's a bad thing now, no names), lab tech, machinist, a/c tech and building mechanic. I became a teacher 10 years ago and love it. It is in many ways the most difficult career, but also the best career that I've ever had. I wish I started much earlier. After getting a B.S. in technology ed. from MSU I got the only teaching job that that I've ever had in Pompton Lakes. I teach 6th, 7th and 8th grade students at Lakeside Middle School and am very content there with the leadership, my colleagues and, most of all, the kids. I was very fortunate when in 2004 I was named Passaic County Teacher of the Year.
I got a masters from NJCU in Educational Technology a few years ago. I'm in the Educational Supervision Certification program mainly because I believe it is important to have options when opportunities arise. This course is part of that program. While it is a requirement, I'm looking forward to all the learning that it promises.
I have been married to my wonderful wife, Maggie, for 17 years. We have no children and just the two of us live in a little cape in the Montclair Heights section of Clifton. I have one much-younger brother (17 years) who just had his first little girl 9 months ago. Both my parents are still alive and in their 70s.
Some of my interests are reading, playing and watching tennis, Yankees baseball, politics and friends.
In June, I was invited by People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs on a trip to China. I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and so me and my wife are going at the end of November. It will be an educational trip with several different delegations formed around educational issues. I will be part of the Technology in Education delegation. We're looking forward to that.
The reason for naming my blog "Design and Engineering for Children" is because that is basically the curriculum that I teach (Technology Education) and I believe passionately that it is an important curriculum for 21st century students. But more about that later.
And I'm looking forward to a great semester with you all.
13 comments:
Norbert-
What a fascinating background! Where in Germany were you from?
Teacher of the Year!?! Very impressive. I look forward to your insights on what makes effective teaching. I'm sure we have much to learn from you.
What probably adds to the strength of your teaching is the variety of jobs/careers you've had. You certainly bring a different perspective to the table than most of us who have only taught since we graduated college.
Germany? Really? My parents met in Germany. My father was stationed there and my mother was there on a work visa.
I think it's great that you have such an array of backgrounds. It allows you to bring in different ideas and perspectives into your classroom.
Norbert,
We share something in common. I came to the US when I was a child as well. I was born in Poland. Of course what is ironic about this is that I now teach English.
As far as being named Passaic County Teacher of the Year - Congratulations!!! What an honor! We most certainly can learn from you.
As far as the trip to China - that sounds exciting. We look forward to hearing about it in a future blog. ;-)
Congratulations on your People to People trip to China, that is a great honor.
You must be a great resource to your students since you have had experience in many different careers, they are lucky to have you as a teacher.
I think community organizers rock! Ok, that being said I too am impressed with your background and wish you all the best on your trip to China (what an opportunity)!
Thank you for all your kind comments. To answer some questions: I was born in a town near Nurnberg.
I am proud to have been a county Teacher of the Year and I hopefully have some insights to what makes an effective teacher. However, while I think I'm an effective teacher, I work with and have met so many teachers that also deserve the recognition but never receive it. I was fortunate to be in the right place, the right time, and was willing to put in the work required when nominated for county teacher of the year. In other words, many of you in the class, I'm sure, are also excellent teachers, qualified to be teachers of the year.
Again, thanks for all your congratulations and good wishes.
I think there is something to be said about your diverse employment background...its great! As teachers I feel we are trying to mold well rounded students, what better way to do so than from a well rounded teacher! I too feel I will wear many hats in my education career.
Your background was so impressive! I did not come here from another country, but both of my parents came from Macedonia.
My dad was 16 when he came here...he went back to Macedonia when he was 21 to marry my mother.
I can't wait for your insights on administration. You said that you were happy with the people in your district. What qualities make your administration one that you are happy with?
Good luck in China! What an amazing opportunity!
Mary,
Thanks!
The qualities of my administration that I am happy about: I guess I can sum it up with 3 things.
First, there is a real devotion to respecting students and the belief that all children can learn.
Second, there is the belief that the teachers in our school are excellent, but we can do better.
Third, in the school and the district, there is recognition and support for my program. I feel valued, which is so important to me that I've turned down higher paying job offers.
One of the most important things I've learned from all my experiences in various careers is that money is not the most important thing there is!
You sound so interesting! Being named Teacher of the Year is a huge accomplishment and something to be very proud of. Too bad you didn't get to go to China during the Olympics!
This is great! I am very passionate about technology education as well and would love to chat with you some time about how you got where you are now and more specifics on what you are doing.
Rebecca,
I'm willing to chat anytime and look forward to it!
Norbert- I agree with you completely that we as teachers have the power and ability to make a difference in our students. I also think that it is essential to move away from rote learning and teach our students to think critically.
Post a Comment