1. Introduction Traci Shipman EDU 650

2. Personal Traci Shipman I live in Eau Claire, WI, about 90 miles east of Minneapolis, MN. Married, 2 children – Son is in the US Army now, but was previously in the US Air Force – Daughter will be a sophomore in high school – Two dogs that are the babies of the family Both husband and I work in education – He is in the field of educational technology. – I have been in early childhood education for 15 years.

3. Professional Background & Experience Started out as biology-premed major. Married and had baby. Volunteered in son’s preschool classroom and realized I was in the wrong profession! While working as a preschool teaching assistant, I was offered a program-sponsored scholarship for an early education degree. Used that scholarship to get my Assocate Degree and Montessori Credential.

4. Professional Background & Experience I worked as a lead teacher in a Montessori preschool until I was offered a curriculum specialist position with another preschool and child care program. When we moved to Michigan, I got a position as an administrator of a preschool and child care program. While in this position, I attended Ashford to get my Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. When we moved back to Wisconsin a year ago, I found a teaching position at a private school district and I worked there until a few weeks ago. I resigned from that position so I could have foot surgery, which is tomorrow actually! I chose resign because I’m not sure sure how long the recovery will take. As much as I love working directly with children in the classroom, I would like to find a position in my field that is less physically demanding after coming off of surgery.

5. Interests I enjoy spending time outside with my dogs, especially hiking and swimming with them. I am a “foodie,” love to try new foods and flavors. I also enjoy BBC tv, reading historical fiction and listening to music. My husband and I would like to start kayaking as soon as I am recovered. One day, I would love to live in the United Kingdom. I love exploring places steeped in history!

6. K-12 Education I attended a public school from K-6 th grade. I attended a private middle school for 7-8 th grades and then returned to public schools for high school. I graduated with distinction and was awarded a college scholarship. A key educational experience that I had was in 4 th grade, I had the best teacher ever! His teaching style and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on my that I still think of with fondness. He seemed to truly enjoy interacting with his students. This was evident in his exciting lessons and activities that kept me engaged, such as creating a nature walk in the woods near the school and letting the students choose the best ways to study for tests, quiz-game was our favorite way to review! He was also a basketball coach and encouraged me to try a new sport, which developed my confidence in athletics, as well as academics.

7. Future Career Goals I would like to have a position teaching college classes in early childhood education. I would also like to train and mentor early childhood professionals and students, especially in the areas of social and emotional development and positive child guidance. I would like to specialize in curriculum development and high quality learning environments, maybe even write my own! I would also like to be a passionate advocate for children, helping them to experience the best education possible and instilling a lifelong love of learning at a very young age.

8. Educational Support A master’s degree in Education will help open doors to teaching at the collegiate level. It will also give me the credentials necessary to demonstrate my experience and knowledge when guiding and mentoring other early education students and professionals. Having a graduate degree in Education will also open doors to higher administrative positions in education, such as a curriculum specialist or district-wide educator. It would also enable me to work for training organizations nationally renown for leadership in education. I would also enjoy traveling and teaching continuing education in curriculum specialty areas.

9. William Butler Yeats