Bio

=﻿ =
 * Hi! I'm Erica Parke. I live in northwestern New Jersey. I am a 4th grade special education teacher at Mendham Twp. Elementary School. I have been teaching for 3 years. This is my second year in a collaborative co-teaching classroom. **


 * I changed careers to teaching after working for 14 years in a commodities trading company. We imported coffee from all over the world. While it was a very interesting job, my passion was to be a teacher. After my son, Aidan (9) was born, I decided to go back to school to get my teaching certifications. I am certified to teach Elementary K-5, Special Education, and Language Arts 6-8. Going back to school while working full time wih a 1 year old was definitely a challenge, but I stuck with it and followed my heart. Eight years later, and now I am working on my Master's at St. Joseph's! **


 * Technology usage in school fascinates me. I think because I had lots of hands on experience with technology in my corporate life, it was a natural extension to incorporate it into teaching as well. I am currently the Technology Integration Specialist for our building. I love this aspect of my job; I get really excited when I find something new and can't wait to share it with the kids and the staff. I realized there is so much more I want to know about instructional technology. I am thrilled to be a part of the online program. **


 * On weekends, my husband, son and I like to hike, fish, kayak and enjoy the fresh air. We love to cook and are always looking for new recipes when not making up our own. **


 * Here is a Glog that I presented last year at the NJEA Convention in High-Tech Hall. My favorite part of the Glog is the collection of student work on the bottom. Enjoy! **

media type="custom" key="9421570"