We are proud to introduce our twenty-seventh Sunday Spotlight, featuring Kathi Edwards who is a Technology Teacher at Lake Oconee Academy in Greensboro, Georgia. Walk into Kathi’s room and you’ll find memes and quotes(maybe some added by students), students engaged with digital learning, or Kathi, munching on some kettle corn while using Edulastic. When Kathi is not engaging students in meaningful learning experiences you might find her hanging out with her family or on a run to train for a half marathon. Enjoy the interview with Kathi!
Kathi Edwards
8th Grade Math Teacher
Lake Oconee Academy
Greensboro, Georgia
11 years working in education
” I am working hard to make sure I teach my students the skills, habits of mind, and resources they need to be a part of the future workforce.”
-Kathi Edwards
Get to know Kathi Edwards
What do you love about working in education? What motivates you?
I love engaging students and getting them excited about what they are learning. The best part of teaching is not only creating memorable learning experiences, but enjoying them right alongside the students!
Why did you become a teacher?
It is always something I wanted to do- I don’t think I have ever considered another career. I chose the middle school path after an internship my senior year of high school. I worked with a sixth grade ELA teacher, and after my first day with her, I called my college and changed my major from secondary education to middle grades education.
What is your “Edulastic story”?
Our school was encouraging teachers to do more assessments online to better prepare students for the online assessment platforms that they would be using for state testing. We were using Google Forms predominately, and I figured there had to be something better, so I searched online and asked around and stumbled upon Edulastic. I created my account, explored, and fell in love!
Describe your favorite Edulastic “aha” moment.
When I wrote my first assessment on Edulastic, I was blown away by the questions already authored by other teachers! It took so much work out of creating an assessment. The variety of questions allowed me to really assess students’ knowledge of content.
What are your teaching/learning goals this year?
I am tackling a new content this year- Computer Literacy. I am working hard to make sure I teach my students the skills, habits of mind, and resources they need to be a part of the future workforce.
Sum up your teaching philosophy in a few sentences!
To engage students in meaningful learning opportunities within a positive classroom environment that encourages and motivates them to succeed.
Favorite motivational idea:
My first year of teaching, my team leader gave me this quote: “They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” It is a quote from Maya Angelou. I have taken that quote to heart throughout my years of teaching.
Tips for new Edulastic users:
Start small! A practice test on Edulastic needs to be done by teachers before they give a real assessment. Students need to be taught the tool before they can use it effectively.
Quick Facts
Favorite Edulastic question type?
A tie between multiple selection and matching!
Favorite snack while using Edulastic
Kettle Corn!
Spring or Fall?
Fall
Computer?
Chromebook
Favorite Book:
Wonder by RJ Palacio
Best tactic for getting the class quiet?
The good ol’ “Give me Five” from Harry Wong!
Must- have classroom Decor:
Memes and quotes. I also love to add what my students create for me- quotes and notes.
Favorite time of the school year and why:
The second nine weeks. We have hit our stride, built a classroom community, and are engaged in our learning!
Kindest compliment you have received from a student or teacher?
I can’t think of anything specific at the moment; I have some students who, at the end of class, tell me thank you. It makes me feel appreciated for the work we did that day in class.
Funniest student moment?
There is a funny moment every single day– that is the joy of teaching middle school students. There are many days that they make me laugh so hard, I cry.
Greatest accomplishment in the classroom this past year:
Managing a 1:1 classroom for the first time in my career- learning to create and implement digital learning materials. It has been so liberating to not make copies!
How do you like to spend your free time?
I enjoy time at home with my husband, three kids, and puppy. I also go for runs (currently training for a half marathon!), and I have recently embraced the Bullet Journal hobby.
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Join Kathi Edwards and other educators:
- Sign up for Edulastic for free
- Learn more about the Sunday Spotlight