California DEN

Hello to the new California DEN team!  My name is Jannita and I am the Discovery Educator Network Manager for Southern California… however lately I have been spending a lot of time up north as well, as our Northern CA DEN members would say.  I am thrilled to be part of such a dynamic initiative. I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know a little more about me.

For the past 6 years, I have taught in the Anaheim City School District.  During my stay there, I had the privilege of teaching 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, and 1^st grade, which included working in the Gifted and Talented (G.A.T.E.) Program and combination classrooms.  Many people ask which grade I loved the most, and honestly I have to say there are perks to each.  The 1^st graders were a constant source of entertainment and exhaustion…. the 6^th graders a source of inspiration and frustration.  I am sure than many of you would agree.  What I have found is that in each grade there are blessings and challenges.  Wouldn’t you all agree?!? 

I also happened to jump on board many projects that included KidNews, Galapagos Project organized through KOCE and the Orange County Department of Education. I also co-directed an after-school English Language Development class that focused on integrating science and technology. Last year, I worked with our PTA, Warner Bros., and DreamWorks to host 2 different family nights. Needless to say I loved projects! Now the biggest project lies before me… Networking the best teachers in California together, because I know dynamic things happen when dynamic educators are linked together. 

On a personal note, I was married on April 17^th 2004.  We actually met while working as servers at the Chicken Dinner Restaurant at Knott’s Berry Farm.  Anybody been there?  No kids, yet, just our Black Lab ‘Bear’ who likes to play the part of a baby.   

I am anxious to learn more about each of you and the exciting things you have done or are currently doing in your classes.  Let’s use this blog to get to know each other.  Post a comment and let us know where you are, the grade you teach, and anything you’d like to share. Also let us know what you would like to see happen in the Network (events, trainings, etc.)  Feel free to think out of the box!