Hello everyone!
My name is Deanna Mulay. I am a second year teacher and I work in Woodridge. I am a LOA substitute teacher for the entire district. I have worked with students from grades K-8 last year, so I am excited to see the different classrooms I will be teaching in for this year. In 2019, I graduated from Benedictine University with my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education. This is also my second year at Elmhurst University. I am currently working on my Master's Degree in Teacher Leadership and an ESL endorsement.
When I was younger, I always wanted to be a veterinarian because I loved animals so much. Then a police officer, and a baker, and so on. However, one day changed my career choice! When I went to high school, we had a career day. I signed up for a teacher talk. I was drawn into what this teacher was saying and I could feel a spark light up inside me that I never felt before. I then realized that a teacher was the job for me! I love to teach and I have a huge passion for it! Looking back when I was in grade school, I would play "teacher" a lot if we ever had indoor recess, so this career choice was meant to be!
With Covid-19, I realized that I needed to learn more about technology because I struggled during the remote learning time last year. I also covered for an LRC Director position last school year and loved that position because I was able to work with the teachers closely and all of the students, rather than just one specific grade level. I also think that technology has advanced over the last few years for me. I really want to become more fluent in using different forms of technology and not be afraid to use some of them with my students. Especially how this past school year went, I want to try new platforms and become comfortable using them.
I currently live in Glen Ellyn with my parents, Sam and Debbie. I am their only child. I am also a dog mom of 3, Pasqualie (12 years old), Winnie (1 year old), and Ozzie (4 months old). Winnie and Ozzie are always on the move and never sit still for photos. Pasqualie, on the other hand, loves to pose for the camera!
Pasqualie (Left), Winnie (Top Right), and Ozzie (Bottom Right)
Besides my dogs, I love hockey and I am a St. Louis Blues fan (My family roots for the Blackhawks, so they call me the Blue sheep of the family)! I also enjoy drawing and different medias of art. Over the lock down with Covid-19, I spent some time painting different pieces. I mainly focus on abstract art. I also enjoy movies (comedies and scary movies are my favorite), listening to music (I listen to pretty much every kind of music out there), and trying to cook new recipes.
Top Right: My parents and I were able to see the Stanley Cup and I was able to see the St. Louis Blues on the Cup!
Bottom Left: The day we brought Winnie home.
Bottom Center: Cruz the Otter posed with me. This otter is one that my cousin trains at the Georgia Aquarium.
Bottom Right: My parents and I at a vineyard in Galena, IL.
I look forward to learning new tools and how to apply them into my lesson plans!
Hi Deanna,
ReplyDeleteIt is very nice to "meet" you. I think it is great that you were able to find your passion and get experience in so many different classroom settings. Your dogs are absolutely adorable! I am a huge animal lover. I definitely understand what you mean about struggling with remote learning. I think there is a lot we can do to make it successful, it's just a matter of having the right tools. I look forward to having class with you.
Hi Deanna! I enjoyed reading your post and learning more about you. I agree with Ms. K that your dogs are adorable! It's great that you've had experience working with students from K-8. I feel like every grade level has something special about it, and I'm sure it's been a valuable experience to get to work with such a wide range of ages in your current role.
ReplyDeleteI had a similar experience that also prompted me to get into teaching. I attended a talk my senior year of college that gave an overview of the teaching program I ended up joining. At that point, I had not thought about teaching. I was so moved by it that I decided to apply. I also would love playing "teacher" when I was younger so in hindsight it's not surprising that I got into education.
I'm looking forward to learning new tools with you in this class. I think a lot of people struggled during remote learning, particularly because things happened so quickly. It was a lot of changes at once! I think this class is going to be really valuable and will help us develop more confidence in how we can support students using technology.
Hi Deanna. Thanks for the great introduction. You seem to have a well-rounded perspective and experience. I'm curious to know what drove you here since your post says you also attend Elmhurst College. Looking forward to exploring technology with you this fall.
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole. I am so excited to be in your class this fall! Yes I do currently attend Elmhurst as well. Last year I started my Master's program there and it has been on my top 5 list for schools to attend. Sadly, they did not have the Technology Specialist program like Dominican University does. I think nowadays technology is going to continue growing and as an educator, it is so important to have a background with different types of technology.
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