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Ms. April van Buren
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Parkway Central High School
Hometown:
St. Louis, MO
Class Information:
Room Number: 948
Students per Class: 120+
Class Description:
I teach Beginning Journalism, Radio and TV, Newspaper Production, American Literature and British Literature.
Position:
teacher
Needs:
Cameras and microphones for teaching photo journalism and Radio broadcasting would be a huge gift! I have a very limited budget, only three digital Powershot cameras, and more than 70 kids among my three journalism classes. A Podcasting kit and more cameras would really help my Radio and TV kids find their voice (in audio) online.
Personal Information:
About Me:
I'm a 26-yeard-old journalism and English teacher in St. Louis county, MO. I've been teaching for more than five years and am recently married.
College and Degrees:
I studied journalism and Secondary English Education at the University of Missouri-Columbia.Currently, I am working to complete my Masters in Library Sciences at UMC and hope to graduate by December 2008. I hold three teaching certificates from the state of Missouri in Secondary English, Secondary Journalism, and K-12 Library Media Specialist.
Activities:
I am busy, busy, busy! I sponsor Newspaper production, which is both a class and an after school activity, as well as PCHtv, the new Broadcast club. I am always writing grants to try to gain funding for this new club, which has about 21 students involved and only two cameras. I run my school's chapter of Quill & Scroll, the International Journalism Honors Society. I am on the technology committee in my building and a member of several professional organizations, including the Journalism Education Association. As a member of the local Sponsors of School Publications (SSP) I am one of a small group of people working to host the 2008 National Journalism Convention in St. Louis. It's a lot of work, but I love it all!
Favorite Books:
The "Hitchhiker's Guide" books by Douglas Adams and "All the President's Men" by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein are among my favorites. I've recently been turned on to some great books by young adult author Scott Westerfield, including the "Uglies" series (the fourth in the series will be out this month).
Favorite Quotes:
Arlo Guthrie recently quoted Marilyn Monroe as saying "Did you ever notice how 'What the heck?' is always the right decision?"
Interests:
My interests include reading, helping students, graphic design work, taking photos, and relaxing at home with my puppy and husband. I also love learning new things every day, especially trying to keep on top of technology in the classroom.
Employment History:
I student taught in Fulton, Mo. in the spring of 2003. Currently, I am in my fifth year at Parkway Central High School in Chesterfield, Mo. I started teaching English, Journalism and Newspaper in August 2003, and have added a Radio and TV class this year.
Why Do I Teach?:
I love sharing my passion for journalism with my students. It is so empowering to give teenagers a voice and a platform for their ideas, and just as moving to watch them develop and fine tune those abilities. Teaching also allows me to share my love of the written word!