Hello, my name is Millie Jeffries. I work for the BISD-Lopez HS campus as an Instructional Technology Support for the TTIPS Grant Program.  Prior to this, I was at the Brownsville Academic Center as a Tech/Business Teacher and also served the school as their Technology Support Teacher (TST). Prior to BAC, I was a Business/Technology teacher at Lopez High School.  As you can see I have been involved with technology since I started teaching.  I have already taken the MTT classes and received my M.Ed in Educational Technology.  I am looking forward to meeting and helping this class out in any way possible.  While I do not claim to be an expert in technology, I truly love learning  it! The best of luck to everyone.

Hello everyone my name is Valree Martinez.

 I teach at Vernon Middle School and am excited about a brand new semester. I recognized some of the faces already. I have had a really great school year so far and with MTT program as well. I am always available to comment or ask questions of. I received my degree from Texas A&M Corpus Christi, in Marketing, however I teach 7th grade Math. I love math and it just comes easy to me. I already started a class wiki page and hope to incorporate more project based learning as it is a new district initatative for our 9th grade campus. I excited about all the new things I will learn and about working with you! 

Hello class.  My name is Frank Thornton and I reside in Richmond, Virginia.  In my previous life, I worked as a technology project manager for large corporations.  Today, I am an advocate for closing the achievement gap of students in underachieving schools.  When I began the Educational Technology program,  I decided to make the education of African-American males a priority after learning that only 5 of 10 will graduate from high school.  The statistics around the country are horrific for African-American and Latino males.  Through our tools, strategies, and theories, I am confident we will be able to move these students up Bloom's Taxonomy with cooperation, collaboration, and dedication.

Hello! My name is April Canales-Perez. I am currently a 6th grade Math teacher at Progreso East Elementary. This is my third year teaching and my second semester in the MTT program. My first semester was a lot of work but I absolutely loved being back in school. It has been a wonderful experience so far and I can't wait to see what is in store for this semester! 

Hello!

My name is Yadira Flores, I currently teach 5^th grade Science at Progreso East Elementary. This is my fourth year as a teacher and it is truly a rewarding experience to make a difference in a child’s life. I know education is something that should be valued by all students including post secondary students; consequently I am very excited to continue my education with this program. I have three wonderful children Luis 8, Arleen 5, and Manuel 4… and one on the way. I have been married to my lovely and supporting husband, Luis Garcia for 10 years. I know life brings us opportunities and we should grab them, so here I am eager to take this challenge, add more to my agenda, and succeed. Good luck to everyone, and I hope we have a great semester!

Isabel Cabrera "Izzy"

This is my 2nd semester with the MSTTPA program. I am excited to get back to learning new technology to incorporate into my classroom. I am currently teaching 2nd grade Science & Social Studies at Progreso West Elementary. I am glad to see all the teachers back and ready to live life in the fast lane once again. Everyone put on your seat belts-go,go,go!

Hello, My name is Virginia Ramirez.I am a Business Teacher at Lopez High School.I am currently teaching professional Communications. This is my 3rd year in education.My background is in the retail industry where I spend 23 years. I have a beautiful 3 year old that keeps me very busy at all times.I am very excited to be in the MSTTPA program.

Hello, 

My name is Marivel (Mari) and I live in Progreso Lakes, TX with my wonderful husband and three lovely children. I am a 5^th grade teacher at Progreso East Elementary. I’ve been in this profession for 11 years and have had the opportunity to teach in grades ranging from Pre-k to 5^th. I am extremely nervous about being in the Master’s Program especially because I’ve been out of school for so long. I am always looking forward to a challenge and will give it my best. I’m excited because this will allow me to teach my students new and innovative ideas. I have never taken on-line courses and it’s overwhelming just reviewing the course syllabus. I’m looking forward to a productive and innovating semester.

Hi! I am Christine Claudio. This is my fourth year teaching First Grade.  I have a beautiful, precocious daughter, Jade. She truly is my precious stone. This will be my second semester in the MSTPPprogram. So very blessed to have meet many new friends throught the program.  Looking forward to collaborating with the new projects....

Hi! My name is Sara Aldape.  I have been teaching for ten years and currently teach 5th grade at Champion Elementary in Brownsville, Texas.  As you can see I have a wonderful one year old daughter named Katia and a loving and supportive husband, Eliseo.

     I am very glad to be part of the MTT program.  I really hope I can integrate all of these wonderful technology tools into my classroom.  I also look forward to this semester and hope it goes smoothly.

 My name is Albert Rodriguez and this is my fifth year teaching fourth grade at Jefferson Elementary School in Harlingen, Texas.  I'm married and I have a 10 year old daughter named Lydia (nicknamed: Peipei) who's one of my students, and whose undefeated basketball team I proudly coach.  I'm looking forward to working and attending classes with all of you this new semester.  Good luck to you all. 

M Lourdes Mata

Ready for another round of technology class towards my MTT certification! I am also taking six hours towards my Master's Degree in C&I.  I currently work at the University of Texas at Brownsville as a Graduate Research Assistant. My family is very supportive and patient about my studies.  I have my wonderful husband, who is always encouraging me to keep going, my daughter in high school (10th), my son in middle school (8th), and my baby in elementary school (3rd). Ready for a second semester of work, and wishing everyone a successful and productive semester. 

 Victoria Lopez

I am a third year Kindergarten teacher employed by the Harlingen C.I.S.D.  This is my second semester in the MSTTPA program (MTT certification).  I am the mother of two handsome boys and married to a supportive husband.  I hope to learn many new technology tools that can be implemented in my teaching.

 Hello everyone,

As the semester begins, I must put on my running shoes and go get my newly prescribed glasses to be able to keep up with the challenges and excitement we will have in the coming months. Well, let me start by introducing myself.  My name is Sonia Aldape, and this will be my second semester in the MSTTPA Program. I have been in the education field for the past 21 years. For the past 4 years I’ve worked as 4^th grade teacher at Del Castillo Elementary in Brownsville, TX. and prior to that I worked with the HeadStart program based in San Benito, TX. as a PK teacher.  I’m a proud mother of two children even though they are both adults and attending the University of Texas at Brownsville they are still both my babies.  I value education highly therefore, I find myself constantly in the path of learning keeping myself abreast to the latest tools available in technology to broaden my knowledge to apply it in the classroom.  Let the race begin!

Hello, my name is Sergio Perez.  I am a fourth grade Math teacher at Pittman Elementary which is located in Raymondville.  This is my 25^th year in teaching.  I am married and have two wonderful stepdaughters.

Hi! I’m Nora Sanchez (Garza) and glad to become part of the MSTTPA program and jumping aboard this semester. I’m currently in my fifth years of teaching at Del Castillo Elementary as a 4^th grade teacher. I’m anxious to learn all the Web 2.0 Tools and ready to collaborate with my colleagues. I love to integrate technology with my lessons and I know that the students are engaged and enjoy it. I hope to acquire more knowledge to incorporate in my class and collaborate with my peers. I look forward towards this continuing learning experience.

Hello everyone,

My name is Ana A. Cavazos. I am a teacher librarian for an elementary school, but have done my time in the classroom. Being a librarian, places me in a leadership position where technology training and implementation have been handed to me regardless of whether I want it or not. This has been the reason that I have learned everything and anything "technology". I have attended TCEA several times, and of course, TLA annually. I must say that learning is never done; therefore I have joined you to continue my professional development. I have so much more to learn yet.

Hello, my name is Saul Mendiola.  I am a first grade teacher at Ortiz Elementary (BISD).  I have been teaching in first grade for eight years.  I also have the technology responsibilities at my campus (TST).  This will be my second semester for my masters in educational technology. 

My name is Cora Mendez, and I am a 1st grade teacher at Sullivan Elementary in San Benito.  I have been teaching for 11 years now.  This is my second semester with the MSTTPA  program.  I am married and have three beautiful children.  I'm excited to be back and ready to learn new things.

 My name is Mario A. Ortiz. I graduate from UTB and I am currently working for BISD. This is my third year working at Sharp Elementary. I teach second grade bilingual. I am also teaching reading at the university. Last semester I started my Masters of Education in Educational Technology. This is my second semester and I hope to learn more Web 2.0 to share with my classes.

EDTC 6341.62

My name is Ernie Vela.  This will be my second semester in the MSTTPA program and am concurrently taking courses that will complete my mid-management certification.  I am a social studies teacher at the Brownsville Academic Center.  I have been married for sixteen years and have a four year old son.

Hi Everyone!!, My name is Maria Crystal Martinez and I am a fourth grade teacher at Longoria Elementary at Brownsville, Texas. I am currently taking my last course for my Master's in Educational Technology and continuing my education with the MSTTPA program. Hope to have another informative and great semester!

Greetings!  I am Juanita P. Casanova.  This is my second semester with this awesome program.  I have been in education for 31 years, and I have truly loved it.  I want to learn more about technology. Currently I am teaching 3rd grade at Sam Houston Elementary in Harlingen.  I am a single parent, and I have a beautiful teenage daughter who is my pride and joy!  I hope to meet all of you.  Have a great semester.

Maria D. Martinez

Hello to all! I am very excited to be here with all of you for it brings us a step closer to our goals. A little about myself: I am a 2nd grade teacher at Putegnat Elem. in Brownsville, Tx. This is my fourth year teaching, 3 of which I've taught 1st grade. This will be my second semester in the MSTTPA program.

I have 2 beautiful girls (2 and 4) which consume all of my energy (whatever I have left) and a wonderful husband that supports and sticks by me 100% (the reason I am able to move forth through this journey). I want to wish you all the best this semester and hope we all finish with a broader knowledge of that of which we started with!

Hello, My name is Maribel Gracia and I'm currently working as a 21st Century Program Coordinator at Garcia Middle School in Brownsville, Texas. Previously this past semester, I was a third grade teacher and I enjoyed implementing technology with my students in the classroom. I'm looking forward to enhance my technology techniques to implement and share with my 21st Century students, teachers, and program  coordinators.  In addition, I'm a proud mother of two young college men  that support me in continuing my education in technology. 

Hello, My name is Santos Alvarado. I currently work at Progreso East Elementary, as a 5th grade science teacher. This will be my third year teaching, and I really enjoy it. This is my second semester in the Master of Educational Technology program. I really enjoy this program because I am able to implement new information I learn into my classroom.

Hello everyone,

My name is Heather Luna. I am currently a 5th grade teacher in Los Fresnos. Through experience, I have found that incorporating technology in the classroom can be fun and exciting, while bringing about a whole new level of engagement and meaning.  I love being able to learn and share with my students. Last semester, they explored SpicyNodes, VoiceThread, Wikis, and Presi right along with me. I anxiously look forward to all I will learn this semester from both my classes, as well as, my colleagues!

Hi everyone!!  My name is Georgina Salas, but I go by Gina. I answer to either name. This is my 2^nd semester in the Master’s technology grant. I learned so much in the first semester. I have been teaching for 13 years at Gonzalez Elementary in Brownsville. This year I got moved back to first grade. I was teaching 5^th grade science before the move.  I loved teaching 5^th graders and science. I hope to get back there soon. I am married with 2 kids They are my life and they keep me busy with their sports and practices. I hope to meet new classmates this semester. Below you can find my contact information.

georginasalas2@gmail.com

gsalas@bisd.us

Gayle Curry Robinson

I teach 4th grade math and science in Port Isabel.  I've taught on and off since 1997.   I've taught in Los Fresnos, Port Isabel, UTB and UT-Pan Am.  This is my second semester in this program and I am looking forward to a great semester.

Hello,

My name is Romel Palomares and I’m thrilled to learn new technology and activities that we can use in the classroom. I understand that we are moving forward and increasing the use of the technology in our everyday lives. Thus, I feel that teaching our students incorporating the use of technology is the best way to prepare them for their future. I work at the High School level and see how the incorporation of technology is rapidly changing to better prepare our students to be ready for their post-secondary goals. I look forward to this semester and the many new things we will learn!

Hello:

My name is Norma Zarember and I am a teacher at Simon Rivera High School in the CATE department. This is my second semester with the MTT program and I have learned a lot of new technology and I hope to learn even more this semester

Hey everybody!  My name Rene Rodriguez, Jr. but people call me Renie.  I teach 2nd grade Reading and Social Studies at Progreso North Elementary.  This is my 6th year in the teaching field and my first semester in the MTT program.  I am excited to be part of a program that I know will enhance my education as well as enhancing the education of my students!

Hello My name is Tania Longoria. I am a teacher at Longoria Elementary and I am hoping to learn more about technology and how to implement it in my classroom. I am so surprised to learn that even though I thought that I was technology literate, this is all new and kind of scary. I will do my best to keep up with this ever changing new world and also I am hoping to be of assistance whenever I can.

 Melizza Garcia

I am a ninth grade teacher at Los Fresnos United. I have taught for Los Fresnos CISD for 8 years in the Career Technology Education Department and currently teach Business Information Management I.  Besides teaching I am a Department Chair and LFU Campus Technologist but I enjoy my job tremendously. This is my second semester in the Educational Technology program and I hope to make it through successfully.

Hello everyone,

My name is Cristina Pintor and I am a 9^th, 10^th and 12^th Math teacher at Progreso High School. I graduated from UTPA with a BS in Manufacturing Engineering and a MS in Engineering Management.  This is my second year teaching and my second semester in the MTT program. I am very excited to be back and I hope to learn more technology tools in order to apply them in my classroom.

Hello, my name is Dara Keyla Cepeda.  Currently I'm teaching Art and Computer Animation Class at Myra Green Middle School, Raymondville ISD.  I have been implementing Web 2.0 tools in my class, and I can say it has made a big impact in my students way  of learning.  I'm excited and ready to learn more in this educational journey!

darakeyla@gmail.com

Hello,

My name is Romel Palomares and I’m thrilled to learn new technology and activities that we can use in the classroom. I understand that we are moving forward and increasing the use of the technology in our everyday lives. Thus, I feel that teaching our students incorporating the use of technology is the best way to prepare them for their future. I work at the High School level and see how the incorporation of technology is rapidly changing to better prepare our students to be ready for their post-secondary goals. I look forward to this semester and the many new things we will learn!

Hello !! My name is Edna Orozco.

I studied Manufacturing Engineering, and I never thought that I was going to be teaching. I currently work at Progreso High school. This is my second year teaching and I love it.  I am the Robotics Coach, students have developed a very successful program at the high school. This year I teach Precalculus, Robotics, Biomedical Engineering, and Computer Aided Design, mostly to Juniors and Seniors.