Week 1 Letter

Hello! My name is Bristol Wenzl. I am a first grade teacher at Calvert Elementary in Auburn, Nebraska. This is my fourth year of teaching. I got my associate's degree from Central Community College in Columbus, Nebraska. I then got a scholarship to transfer back to Peru State College to finish my bachelor's degree. I have my degree in elementary education with an endorsement in early childhood education. I live in Auburn with my husband, Matt, and our three year old son, Brenton. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, exercising and watching sports.

Technology is something that I have always been interested in, but haven't had a lot of experience with. I have learned a lot in the last couple of years about technology because that has been a major focus at my school. I had always used a PC in college, but when I got my teaching job in Auburn they use Macs, so I had to learn quickly. I since have also purchased a Mac for our home. I sometimes still feel like a beginner with technology when something doesn't go right, but I am learning and eager to learn. In my classroom I use my Mac laptop and LCD projector daily with my students. We watch videos, I have made many power point presentations to use with my students, and I use it for giving tests as well. It really engages my students. I sometimes bring in our wireless computer lab when it is available. I have three student computers in my room that are used constantly as well. I worked with my grade level team to create a trackstar for social studies and math this year too. At school, I believe that we have Office 08, but I am not positive on that. My school is working very hard on improving the technology that is available to us. 

Ever since I graduated with my bachelor's degree, I knew I would go back and get my master's degree, but I just didn't know when. I heard about the Ken Boxley scholarship and decided to apply for it. I got it, and knew that was my opportunity to get my master's degree. I consider myself a life long learner. I feel that being an educator means that I have to keep learning and teaching myself as well. Everything in this world keeps changing and education does too. I believe that teachers need to stay up to date with education and technology in order to meet our students' different needs. I believe that getting my master's degree is helping me do just that. I don't plan on doing anything special with my degree. I love being a first grade teacher. The main purpose of getting my degree is gaining skills and knowledge to become the best teacher that I can for my students.