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Terra Barsanti |
EDUCATION:
University California, Santa Cruz: BA in Theater Arts with a Dance emphasis, specializing in Creative Movement for Children and Modern Dance Theater
San Francisco State University: CLAD (Cross Cultural Language and Academic Development) Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
EMPLOYMENT:
Performing and teaching in the Santa Cruz and Benito County schools through the SPECTRA (artists in the schools) program, and being a parent volunteer here at Pacific Elementary, inspired me to become a teacher.
I was originally hired in 1999 at Pacific Elementary to coordinate the Title 1 program. I trained and became a certified Reading Recovery teacher in 2000/2001 and taught my own version of "Math Recovery", using strategies from the Lindamood Bell Cloud Nine math program.
While coordinating our small homeschool program in 2002, I was offered the opportunity to develop the current Independent Study program in 2004. Now in its sixth year, the program has grown into the one of a kind "hybrid" that it is today, combining classroom participation with home-based learning. Working together with families that are dedicated to educating their children alternatively keeps my job both challenging and rewarding.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
- 2 trainings with CASBO on Operating Guidelines for Independent Study
- Brain-Compatible Differentiated Instruction with Martha Kaufeldt
- Brain Based Learning Seminar
- Reading Recovery
- Practical Strategies for Differentiating Classroom Instruction
- Kids Included Together (KIT) Training - about Full Inclusion
- Making Math Real
- Asperger Syndrome: The Complexities and Subtleties
- Dyslexia Education
- Social Skill Development in Children with Special Needs
- CPR and First Aid
- Strategies to Effectively Use the Best Children's Books of the Decade
- Step Up To Writing
- Making Math Real
PHILOSOPHY:
I believe that with the right amount of good training, wisdom, perseverance, and love, a teacher can make a difference, because the children are the future of our planet!
INTERESTS:
When not at school I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and animals, maintaining and developing my 5.5-acre off-grid lifestyle in the mountains, experiencing nature, and dancing.