Introduction

My name is Rebecca Akins. I began my teaching career in Tucson, Arizona in 2000, after graduating from the University of Arizona with a BA in Secondary Education. I taught at Canyon Del Oro High School for 8 ½ years, until I relocated to Omaha in December 2008 with my family. I have been at Burke High School in the Omaha Public Schools District ever since. I currently teach Honors and Regular US History, but have also taught World History and US Government throughout the years.

My experience with technology is somewhat limited, but is definitely improving through my coursework at Peru State College. I will admit that I’ve done more with technology in the last year than I probably ever have. I have a PC at home and at work and primarily use Windows XP at home and Windows 2003 at work. I am fortunate enough to have a Smart Board in my classroom and I do use it every single day. I also have an Elmo, which I use from time to time. I began teaching when transparencies were still popular, so I have finally converted all of my old transparencies into PowerPoint presentations.

I had wanted to obtain my Master’s Degree for a very long time but the timing just never worked out. Then, last spring, my friend encouraged me to look into the master’s program at PSC because she was enrolled and told me she was really enjoying her experience. I applied shortly after that and everything just fell into place. I have been writing a new concept-based curriculum for Omaha Public Schools for about two years now, and this degree compliments the process so well. I plan to continue my curriculum writing, and perhaps after earning my degree from PSC, even moving into the curriculum department on a permanent basis.