Hi Everyone!!!  My name is Griselda Garcia.  I am a second grade teacher at Gonzalez Elementary.  This year, I trained my little ones how to use Microsoft PowerPoint, and I am happy to say that second grade students are ready to learn anything. 

Good luck to all of us during this semester!!!

Hi!  My name is Jenna Springfield.  I have four children: a 14 year old girl (pictured here with me), 11 year old boy, 7 year old boy, and 4 year old girl.  We have just finished our seventh year of homeschooling and look forward to many more.  I am scheduled to graduate this December. 

It's nice to see some familiar faces and I eagerly anticipate meeting everyone else.

Hi, my name is Coral Palmer.  I am the Technology Teacher at Sharp Elementary.  I love teaching and love learning.  

My name is Oscar Castillo. I was born and raised in Brownsville, TX and I am a graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. I am proud to say that I teach mathematics at my Alma Mater, Lopez High School. 

I bleed Burnt Orange, but my heart is Blue and Gold.

Hi!  My name is Elvia Villafranca-Silva and I was born and raised in Harlingen, Texas.  I received my B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Computer Science from UT – Brownsville.  Currently I am employed at Texas State Technical College and working on transitioning from higher education to public education.  Looking forward to making a switch from technical to a Bilingual elementary classroom.  Looking forward to finishing my M.Ed in Technology which I started a few years back but which was put on hold due to the sudden death of my husband.

Eager to obtain my Masters fairly soon and optimistic at being in place within the public education system in the very near future.

Bon Jour Everyone! My name is Elizabeth Castillo but I go by Lisa. I don't really speak French but I  recently read Fancy Nancy, Bonour Butterfly to my summer school class so hence the reference.  I just finished up a two year stint as a Reading Coach and will hopefully be the Reading Interventionist for my campus next year.  I am also in the process of finishing up my principal certification.  I am looking forward to forming collaborative relationships and learning from everyone! Adieu..

Hi Everyone! My name is Juan Miguel Garcia. Pictured with me is my nephew Nickolaus.  I am currently a science lab teacher at J.S. Adame Elementary in Donna but I think my principal wants to move me to teach 4th grade Math next year.  I have been teaching for about five years now and really enjoy it!  After I finish the MTT program I want to continue and get my masters degree.  I look foward to learning from everyone here!!

Hello,

My name is Luis Troncoso.  I am a 3rd grade teacher at Brownsville ISD. I have taught 4 years and have been coaching soccer at a high school for 3 years.  I started the Educational Tech. program last summer, so this is just my second semester.  My goals are to complete my masters degree in Educational Technology and get MTT and Social Studies Composite certification.  I would also love to obtain the position of Head Soccer Coach at the new high school schedule to open in the fall of 2010. 

Hello,

My name is Julie Parker-Garza. I am a HST teacher at Pace H.S. in Brownsville. I have 4 boys that keep me very busy. I am hoping to graduate in December. I just finished my 3rd year of teaching. I was an Med. Lab. Tech. at the McAllen Heart Hospital for 5 years before that. My hobbies are swimming, bike riding with the boys, helping my husband with our garden, crocheting and traveling. I hope everyone has a great semester!

~Julie~

Hello all!  My name is Daniela Guardiola. I'm currently employed at Donna ISD and have been for the past 4 years (including this one).  I have taught 1st and 5th grade.  This last school year, I had the wonderful opportunity to be a Reading Coach at my campus.  Next year, I am scheduled to go back to a 1st grade classroom.  Since I don't want to bore you with my career talk I'll do it with my personal life:) J/K.  I hope that we get to know each other throughout the semester.

Hi.  I'm Fred Kaplan, and this is the token photo I use for the PBWiki Orientation assignment each year.  :D

This year was my first year teaching in a classroom.  I had a blast, and I'm looking forward to doing more classroom teaching in the future.

This is my next-to-last class in the M.Ed Tech program at UTB.  I'll be taking my practicum in the Fall.  And, after that, I'll have that sweet, sweet diploma.

See you in class!

Hello everyone. My name is Cynthia Balderas and I am very happy to join the team. I am currently working summer school as a third grade teacher and hope to help my students pass the Reading TAKS. During the year I work as a reading coach at an elementary school. My goal is to become a librarian in the near future and utilize the latest technology in a media center.

My name is Celinda Tanguma and I’m an avid sports fan. 

This is my family, husband (Aaron), son (Artie) 18, daughter in white (Alyssa) 20, and daughter (Arianna) 13.  I have a very athletic family.  My husband graduated from Spring Woods High School in Houston and came down to play baseball for UTPA.  I played basketball.  My senior year, we married.  My first job was at Rio Grande City High School.  I was the head volleyball coach.  Aaron teaches outdoor education at Edcouch-Elsa High School.   My daughter, Alyssa graduated from Donna High in 2007 played volleyball and threw the discus in track. She attends UTPA.  Alyssa is Majoring in Kinesiology with a specialty in athletic training and minor in English.  Artie just graduated from Edcouch-Elsa High School and is going to attend Eastern Michigan on a full athletic scholarship (football).  His first day of class is June 29^th.  His major is PE and minor is communications.  Arianna will be transferring to Donna next year where she will also play volleyball and throw the discus.  She will be a freshman, and I am really excited because she will be with me.  We live in Elsa but I work in Donna.  So as you can see, our summer vacations always include a scheduled tournament.  We travel year round for athletic competition. So that’s my athletic family.

Hello!  My name is Daniel L. Runnels.  I have 2 more courses to complete the EDTC program and I have enjoyed all the courses thus far.  I am currently the Testing Coordinator/Data Analyst/Textbook Coordinator for Mercedes ISD.  I have been in Higher Ed and K-12 for about 11 years.   I have gained a wealth of knowledge in this program that I have used and will use in my future endeavors.