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Technology In Sacramento's Classrooms Is Becoming Increasingly Important For Educators

William Silveira, a teacher at Natomas Charter School, has taught in schools in Sacramento, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Santo Domingo and Madrid. He has a B.A. in History and English from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in History from Sacramento State and received his teaching credential from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He advises potential teachers on the importance of classroom observation before entering credential programs and keeping up with classroom technology.

William
(Photo Courtesy of William Silveira)

Can you offer any advice to graduating students or job seekers?

"In addition to extensive class observations before entering a credential program, prospective teachers should realize that there are many different school settings. There are big schools and small schools, each with their own unique positives and negatives, there are different levels of teaching (from primary to university) and there are American schools around the world that hire teachers from the United States. The trick is to find the level and location that speaks to you, the level that best suits your talents and interests."

How can seasoned workers, or those re-entering the workforce, overcome employment challenges?

"When it comes to education, those re-entering the workforce should make sure they are up to date on educational technology. Most public schools are increasing their focus on technology in the classroom, and many are experimenting with the 'flipped classroom' (in which content is delivered online at home and enrichment activities are completed at school)."

What is the usefulness of re-educating a seasoned workforce? 

"Technology is revolutionizing the classroom. From methods of instruction and assessment to student and parent expectations, technology is changing the way teachers teach and students learn. While the value of many of these changes is the topic of intense debate in educational circles, the fact of the matter is that Pandora's iBox has been opened, and its impact on education is profound. The professional who neglects to investigate and wisely incorporate technology into his or her curriculum will fall behind the learning styles of his or her students and could, depending on the school, lose his or her job."

Megan Bowyer is a freelance writer in search of the best food and drinks that Sacramento has to offer. You can find her at any number of dive bars or trendy restaurants; just look for the short blonde feeding the jukebox. Her work can be found at "Examiner.com"

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