Corrie Wohlers Introduction

My name is Corrie Wohlers, and I am a 2005 graduate of Central College in Pella, Iowa. I am married and have two young kids. I teach middle school math at Lewis Central middle school in Council Bluffs Iowa. I am a certified 7-12 math teacher and currently teach 8^th grade math and high school algebra. In addition to my responsibilities in the classroom, I am part of Lewis Central’s mentoring program, a member of our building’s PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) team, and a MathCounts coach.

I enjoy using technology as a tool in my classroom, but I am a bit of a cautious adopter.  I am not the type of person who likes to “poke around” with new technology on my own to figure out all its various features. Frankly, I worry that I will accidently mess something up. Once I’ve been introduced to a new tool, however, I work to integrate it into my classroom approach. The main forms of technology that I use in my classroom are PowerPoint, Instructional Planner, PowerSchool and graphing calculators. During the last month of the school year I also received a Smart Board. During that time I used only the basic functions, but I am looking forward to learning more of its functionality moving forward.  I use Mac computers both at home and school.  The version of Office that I will be using is 2010.

I was inspired to pursue a master’s degree following a very thought provoking conversation with one of my more experienced collages. Her reflections on her own career made me realize the importance of continuing to advance my own education and qualifications. This will not only help me to continue to advance my skills in the classroom, but will also help to keep options open for me outside the classroom down the road. I am specifically interested in the idea of one day becoming a Dean of Students. I have decided to take courses that emphasize technology so that I can incorporate more technology into my classroom, but I am not looking to move out of math instruction at this point.  When evaluating potential programs, one of my primary concerns was ensuring that I would be able to effectively balance the demands of the program with my responsibilities as a committed, loving mother. In that regard, PSC’s online program felt like a natural fit for me.  At the same time, I prefer to operate in team environments and to feel connected to peers who are sharing my experience.  I had some reservations about being able to achieve this through an online program, but a number of my colleagues in the Lewis Central District have also decided to enroll, providing me with a great peer group.  I am excited to have found a program that seems to fit so well with my goals and needs, and I am looking forward to the experience ahead.