California DEN

The California DE leadership council is proud to host an April bash at our DEN Director, Jannita Demian’s home.

The entire Discovery Educator Network team is going to be there so don’t miss out. Hall Davidson, Steve Dembo, Scott Kinney, Lance Rougeux, Kim Randall, Matt Monjan, Justin Karkow, Brad Fountain, Mike Bryant and Dennis Swain are scheduled to make an appearance, so don’t miss out!

Pool, spa and fire pit (smores to be roasted) will be open. Burgers and sodas will be provided. Bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share. BYOB. Here’s how to get in on the action: Take a look at the flyer for more info and view the Directions to the Anaheim Hills home here. Finally, you must RSVP as a comment to this blog so we know you will be joining us. Please mention if you will be bringing a guest(s) or a side dish/dessert. We’ll be waiting for you!

PS, there will not be a clown making balloon animals… sorry

If you had asked me two weeks ago what my life was going to be like, I never could have imagined this.  My name is Susan Staat and two weeks ago, I was a first grade teacher in a small school district in Ceres, California.  (You haven’t heard of Ceres?  We are just south of Modesto.)  In the past two weeks, I have conquered my fear of flying, been just minutes away from the White House but didn’t see it, spent time in four states, had incidents in two elevators and broke into one car.  Why so much excitement in such a short time?  I was hired as your new DEN field manager for northern California and my nickname is “Trouble.”  I’ve had people call me “Trouble” for many, many years, but it really isn’t my fault!  I don’t try to cause trouble…it kind of just finds me…honestly.  Don’t get me wrong, the first two weeks with Discovery have been a blast, just a little scary too.  I have taught elementary school for fifteen years, I’ve taught Professional Growth classes for teachers with the University of San Diego, I’ve been interviewed on the radio and heard nationwide (twice!), I’ve done mentoring and master teaching and presenting in multiple states.  I didn’t think it was possible to scare me!  But, this is a whole new world – one that I had preferred to drive in, rather than fly.  While a small dose of anti-anxiety medication helped with that first flight to Maryland, my biggest fear right now is not knowing how to meet your needs.  I want to hear from you…send me an email just to say “Hi”…let me know how I can help you…let me know if I can come by your school district for a visit!  I look forward to you sharing your projects and successes with me.  (And hey, let me know if you’ve ever seen the White House!)  I’ll share with you my stories from Portland in the next blog, but in case you were wondering, I will tell you about the first elevator incident:  Imagine this if you will, thirteen DEN field managers crammed into one elevator (think phone booth and college), the doors close… someone asks, “What’s the weight limit in this thing?”  Suddenly, and without warning, the alarm starts to ring!  We all panic and eyes grow wide.  Just then, the ringing stops!  And then starts AGAIN!  One final question, “Whose backside is pressing the alarm button?”  I just smile, I’m in the middle of the pack and for once, I’m not the one causing the trouble!

Being “Fresh out of the Classroom,” as some have referred to me as, especially since I still get excited about free notebooks and pens, and brand new to the “Corporate” world, I have had such incredible adventures over the last few months as I acquaint myself more to Discovery.  As I have traveled around demonstrating the power of unitedstreaming, what I find people are most surprised and excited by is that the online digital media program is owned by Discovery Communications, which most relate to the Discovery Channel.  Many of you have shared stories of your favorite shows, so I thought it would be beneficial to give you a little background on Discovery.

In July, Discovery Communications celebrated in style as they turned 20 years old.  A big bash was held at the Washington DC convention center with special guests that included Steve Irwin “The Crocodile Man”  and Madeline Albright.  It was so fascinating as a new employee to hear Discovery’s rich history.

Discovery has always focused on education. John Hendricks began the Discovery Channel in 1982 making them the “first cable network to provide high quality documentaries.”  Their first televised show aired on June 17, 1985 and was titled Iceberg Alley.  Anybody out there remember that one?  Now Discovery Communications has 1.3 billion subscribers in 160 countries. Do you know they own 25 entertainment network brands?  How many can you name? Click here to find out Discovery’s latest news.

Judith McHale, current CEO of Discovery Communications, continues to strive for education excellence by fully supporting the Discovery Educator Network.  At a recent event, she shared that now is the time “…to connect teachers with their most valuable resource… each other!”  We at the network fully agree and understand that you can teach each other more than you can ever learn from a college course or “how to” book.  I am looking forward to blogging with you and sharing some of our knowledge.

I was wondering what are some of your favorite Discovery memories?  What Discovery actor, host or representative stands out most in your mind?  Who would you like to see post a blog or come out to a Discovery Educator Event?

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!