Kerri: "Are you familiar with the philosophy/theoretical orientation of Improving Comprehension with Think-Aloud Strategies by Jeffrey Wilhelm?
T.S.: "I was not aware of the book. I, of course, am familiar with the idea that all children can learn and aware of the various learning styles."
Kerri: "Have you used 'think-aloud' strategies in your classroom? Is this something you do consciously, or do you do it mostly without having to think about it?"
T.S.: "I guess I do use 'think-aloud' ideas every now and then. It is not done with a conscious effort but is part of lessons sometimes. I tell them how I would come up with an answer, or how I have come up with answers in the past. I share the steps I would take in solving a problem."
Kerri: "How does the Grand Prairie Independent School District support teacher professional development?"
T.S.: "GPISD provides many, many opportunities for professional development. Free workshops are offered all the time -- both in summer and during the school year. They cover all types of topics. Of course, we can also attend workshops in other districts as well if they are offering something we need and it is open to us. Sometimes we can miss school to attend something. I recently went to Plano for a conference on women in engineering."
Kerri: "Do you belong to a professional organization related to language/literacy instruction?"
T.S.: "I belong to the Texas Classroom Teacher's Association (TCTA) and to an honorary sorority for women educators called Alpha Delta Kappa."
Kerri: "Have you ever attended a professional conference, such as the Texas State Reading Association (TSRA) state meeting?"
T.S.: "I have attended the National Council for Teachers of English (NCTE) state meeting in the past."
- Kerri