About Us
Our Team
Our Impact
FAQs
News
Contact Us
Corporate Programs
 $

My Wishlist

Successes
Here is the technology that Mary-Allegra Findlay has acquired through Digital Wish:
Here is the grant that I have won through Digital Wish: Spring into Math Skills - 05/2009
Ms. Mary-Allegra Findlay
Add Me as a Friend!
Central Elementary School
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Class Information:
Room Number: 31
Students per Class: 33
Class Description:
My class is a beacon of hope in an area where many students struggle with academic achievement due to other life factors. My students, though, have demonstrated academic success and are school leaders. (All despite sharing challenges brought on by poverty and living in a densely populated,ethnic minority, and crime-ridden area.) They are in the Gifted and Talented Education program and to that end also feel the pressure to continue to perform well academically. It is my goal to help them fuel their passion for learning above all else...they've already proven they have brains. It shouldn't be about proving themselves now, merely enjoying their minds and learning, leading, and loving life. We do the basics and then some.
Position:
Teacher
Needs:
Digital cameras (10-30) Digital voice recorders (10-30) Digital video camera (1-3)
My Philosophy:
Students are expected to take in so much information while in school. Writing is the main manner in which they can transmit their own information. As a video/photographymajor in college (and avid photographer in high school), I learned how satisfying it is to express ideas visually in addition to in writing. It would be a joy to help students do this and digital media makes it so easy. I've done activities with classes both with my personal video camera and with disposable cameras and found them to be rewarding, both for the students, as well as the rest of the educational community. My philosophy is that students need to be able to take in new knowledge, but being able to process and transmit their own unique ideas solidifies that knowledge. Additionally, students who are economically disadvantaged typically learn to do what technology tells them to do. I want to give my students the opportunity to direct the technology to fulfill their vision, their direction. I want to empower my students to be confident in their place in the world and in their futures.
Personal Information:
About Me:
I'm 32 years old and I started teaching when I was 22. I began as a kindergarten teacher for two years. I moved to 2nd grade for several years. I taught a 2/3 combination class and then a 4/5 GATE class. Now I'll have 6th grade GATE for the 2008-2009 school year. I don't have children of my own, my students are my kids. I give them all I have, which is what they deserve. I consciously teach in a low-income area because these students are the underdog. I always root for the underdog. I believe in the underdog. I also love dogs...you know, canines. :) I have an Australian Shepherd mix and she's just the greatest. She loves to come to school with me on the weekends and evenings as I prepare for class. When I'm not being a teacher-holic, I enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, blogging, photography, going to museums, cooking, baking, and making jam. Oh, yeah...I like gardening, too...and reading. I also enjoy going on and on sometimes, but I know when to stop.
College and Degrees:
University of California, San Diego BA Visual Arts/Media major, Education & Political Science minor University of California, San Diego ElementaryEducation Teaching Credential NationalUniversity MS Educational Technology
Activities:
Susan G. Komen 3 Day walker (2006 and 2005) Picture This digital video in the classroom grant participant Vermicompostin the classroom, recycling school lunch scraps
Favorite Books:
Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire by Rafe Esquith The Majic Bus: An American Odyssey by David Brinkley
Favorite Quotes:
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." Ghandi "It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, 'Always do what you are afraid to do.' " Ralph Waldo Emerson
Interests:
Photography/Videography,Crafts, Scrapbooking, Gardening, Nature, Cooking, Entertaining
Employment History:
University of California, San Diego Library Human Resources NationalSchool District Teacher
Why Do I Teach?:
It is my calling in life. I take pride in being a public servant, in helping shape the future by providing my students with the tools they need to find success. I enjoy including families in the process, as well. My greatest satisfaction is when the community comes together to support students. I've also been moved to see my students come together to support their community. This is why I teach.