Diane Haygen
Welcome to my EDT 511 portfolio! The purpose of this portfolio is to provide you with some information about my personal, professional and educational background, prior technology skills, projects completed and overall accomplishments in EDT 511, and to demonstrate satisfaction of specific technology performance standards, followed by a brief reflection.
I am currently enrolled in the School of Education at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, taking courses towards my Master of Arts in Education with elementary certification. For the past 11 years, I have been a substitute teacher in the Dearborn Public Schools system, primarily at Miller Elementary School.
Education has always been of the utmost importance. My grandparents wholeheartedly supported my dreams, believing that a good education and strong moral values were essential in achieving goals. Acquiring strong moral values was easy - learning by parental example is extremely powerful. Making my grandparents proud had always been a priority. Succeeding academically in high school - graduating at the top of my class with honors, serving as President of the National Honor Society, and receiving the Bausch & Lomb Bronze Medal for Academic Excellence in Math and Science - and continued support and encouragement from my grandparents gave me the confidence and drive to continue my education at the next level. Six years later, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
The next 10 years of my professional career consisted of serving as the Graduate Liaison to the Horace Rackham School of Graduate Studies and as the Director of Graduate Student Services in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Although pleased with my accomplishments at the University, something was missing. It was actually through some unforeseen circumstances that I was first given the opportunity to teach in an actual classroom. In 1997, I became guardian to four nephews. Life for me changed significantly. In order to provide the best possible care for the boys, I decided to leave the University. I began substituting in the Dearborn Public Schools in order to be on the same schedule as my nephews. Because of these life changes, my passion for teaching was reaffirmed. I decided to become a teacher.
In the Spring of 2008, I was awarded the Center for the Education of Women Scholarship, giving me the chance to continue working towards my Master of Arts in Education with elementary certification. Twenty years after graduating from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, I am back and excited as ever!
Edt 511 is my first college course in over 20 years, and I must say, the most rewarding both personally and professionally. Prior to EDT 511, my computer skills included using word processors and presentation programs, as well as being familiar with email and the Internet. In the past few months, I definitely feel more comfortable using technology and have been successful in using technology to engage students in the learning experience. Technology has changed the way I think, teach, and live.
Back to Top
