Name
Laraina Hunt
What Do You Teach?
7th grade Writing
Where Do you Teach?
Baytown Junior School
How Long Have You Been Teaching?
4 years
How Does Educational Technology Play a Role in Your Classroom?
Technology is used so much in my classroom that my students expect it to be in every classroom. It is seamlessly joined with the curriculum that I teach and creates a positive interaction with my students. The technology in my classroom allows me to create opportunities that will help prepare my students for life after junior high.
How Do You Find Technology in the Classroom Helpful?
Technology helps my students shine as individuals. It allows for ease of grading assessments so that I can focus more on individual, differentiated instruction. Technology also helps me find ways to keep my students engaged and eager to learn more.
What Is Your Favorite Piece of Classroom Technology? Why?
Although it's difficult to choose just one, because the slate is technically my right hand, I would have to choose the Promethean Board. The Promethean Board, as a whole, gives me the freedom to think outside the box while I plan and deliver my instruction in a variety of ways. The Promethean Board also helps me bring my lessons to life by providing my students with hands-on opportunities to improve their skills in writing.
What Is On Your Technology Wish List For Your Classroom? Why?
If I could have any piece of technology in my classroom, I would have a variety of digital cameras. I think it is important to give my students a creative way to tell a story. The opportunity to take pictures will allow my students to focus on a subject and pay attention to detail. I believe cameras in my classroom can give my students the inspiration needed to reach beyond the parameters of writing with just pen and paper and help them find other ways to share their story.
What Do You Love Most About Teaching?
I love getting to know my students personally and academically. I love helping them see their potential as writers and as students. It is most rewarding to see how much progress my students make over the course of a school year.
Nominated by:
Jennifer Stephens, Junior School Technology Integration Specialist
"Ms. Hunt integrates the use of clickers and the Promethean board in her classes. In one lesson, Ms. Hunt had her students review hyperbole, simile and metaphor. Students had to identify and explain the grammar skill by sorting sentences. If the sentence did not follow the grammar rule, it disappeared when moved. Not only are students engaged but they are having fun!!! Afterwards they used clickers for an informal assessment. Ms Hunt used the data from the clickers to check for understanding and reteach immediately. Students were collaborating and problem solving with the teacher and each other. It is apparent that technology is used on a daily basis. Procedures were set in place and followed by all students. Ms Hunt transforms the learning environment, improves student achievement and inspires students to think critically all through the use of technology."