User:Mkapusinsky

Hello everyone, my name is Mary and I'm excited to be starting this new journey. This is my first semester in the Masters Program for Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology. I received my Bachelor of Science in Visual Arts Education from SUNY New Paltz in 2012. I currently hold my initial certification for K-12. After graduating college I took 3 years to further develop my career interests. The first year I worked in my home school district as a long term leave replacement and then as a general substitute teacher. This experience showed my the instructional resources available to classroom teachers in every subject. After a year in the public schools I sought out experiences in alternative education fields. I wanted to see what others were doing in the field of education that involved a more hands-on approach to learning. I worked with children at a daycare, a summer farm camp and an environmental education sailing program (Hudson River Sloop Clearwater). Currently I live in Albany and work part-time as a Teaching Assistant at a Daycare/Preschool in Glenmont. My interest in education comes from a deep love of learning. This has evolved over time. I love seeing kids get excited over something new, and getting excited about something together is even better! Outside of education I am also an artist. I use my artistic practice as a means to inform my teaching practice. I reflect on process and how best to break down experience for my students. I want to be a positive role model for young people. When I'm not teaching or making art I LOVE being outside. Walking, Hiking, canoeing, biking, swimming, farming, sailing, and kayaking are some things I love to do. Being outside keeps me active, healthy, and balanced. After school my dream is to have a small sustainable farm.