DoDEA director visits Andersen schools

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  The faculty, parents and students of Andersen schools opened up to some new Department of Defense Education Activity initiatives and ideas during an instructional visit here Sept. 20.
 
Marilee Fitzgerald, DoDEA acting director, visited Andersen schools to observe classrooms, introduce new ideas, meet with faculty and parents and interact with students of all ages.

"I can't believe the level of engagement of our teachers," said Ms. Fitzgerald. "I am seeing some powerful teaching and they are really extending themselves on behalf of these children."

During classroom observations the director met with students and asked some general questions.

"I asked if they were engaged in learning and what we could do to improve the curriculum," she said. "I also addressed the subject of moving to a digital platform, which got a very positive response."

She said the students expressed good involvement and enthusiasm in learning, and many offered some suggestions of what types of courses and electives they might like to see. Ms. Fitzgerald also brought out her tablet personal computer and showed students the benefits this technology could pose to classroom education, and this was a big interest to the children.

After the day of observation and classroom interaction, Ms. Fitzgerald met in a 'round table' format with some parents and faculty to discuss what she noticed and see what their suggestions were for the schools.

"Schools have become similar to the setting of an adult work environment," the director said. "The students are exploring and discovering new tools and they aren't afraid of new technology. Some of these new initiatives will be introduced to DoDEA schools this year."

Ms. Fitzgerald showed the group the advantages of a tablet PC instead of multiple agendas, calendars, notebooks and text books. She explained the advantage of keeping everything organized for children, and some of the applications which would better assist teachers.

The discussion prompted a few other topics such as special-needs children and bullying.
"For my son this will be a good thing," said Jennifer Her, parent of two school-aged children, one in special-needs classes. "The new technology would be phenomenal for him."

The faculty was greatly impressed with Ms. Fitzgerald. Both Willette Horne-Barnes, Andersen Elementary principal, and Deborah Krull, Andersen Middle School principal, agreed the visit was well worth it and the time she spent there was beneficial and wonderful.

"What stood out to me was how approachable and positive she was," Ms. Horne-Barnes said.

Ms. Fitzgerald said there will be new changes coming to the school in the near future, as well as more implication on the "anti-bullying" campaign.

"There has to be someone in school the children can trust and a place where they can feel safe," Ms. Fitzgerald said.

The faculty stressed the pride Andersen School systems takes in educating the children the effects of bullying and to respect one another, and agreed they have a great group of students.

"All these children have moved around a lot, with about a 30 percent turnover rate yearly," Ms. Fitzgerald said. "It is so invigorating being with these children, they are well traveled with very broad perspectives. It was an incredible day."