Hello Room 5 Families! We are going to be connected in so many ways. As we learn more about each other and from one another, here is some information about us to get our adventure started.
Linda Salamanca
Kindergarten is my favorite grade!This is a picture of me, my 2 year old son, Luke and my husband Mike. I grew up in Northern California andmoved to San Diego to attend
college at San Diego State where I studied psychology. Inspired by my professors, I earned a Masters in Psychology and became a researcher at UC San Diego. There I worked with other scientists to understand how the brain works and also built robots that could help students learn. The scientists I worked with recently sold their startup company to Apple! While I loved my work as a researcher, education has always been very near and dear to my heart. I am a first generation
Vietnamese-American. My family immigrated to America for many reasons but one of
the main reasons was school. Where my family came from the idea of school, a place where you learn, grow and build friendships, was only for those who could afford it. They wanted something better for themselves and their family. Many years later, here I am at High Tech Elementary Explorer. It has always been a teacher who has inspired me to try harder, think deeply, and to keep seeking for understanding. So I decided to go back to school where I earned a Multiple Subject Credential and a Master's in Education from UC San Diego. Outside of school I love to run, travel,
read, spend time with my family, play with my dog Shelby, cook and eat everything
(especially donuts)!
Addy Rigdon
Hello! I am so excited to get to know you all and learn your stories. I will start by telling you mine. I was born and raised in Carrboro, North Carolina. I
am from a big loving family, and am one of five kids! I went to college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I studied Spanish, psychology, and neuroscience. After I graduated, I worked as a researcher at Duke University. I researched early childhood literacy and community resources for families and children. Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a summer camp director, nanny, tutor and researcher. All of these jobs helped me realize my passion for connecting with families and helping students learn and grow. I am passionate about project-based learning and the wonder of early childhood, and moved all the way to San Diego to pursue that passion. Last year I earned my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and this year I will finish my M.Ed. in Teaching & Learning through High Tech High's Graduate School of Education. When I am not at school, I enjoy all things involving the great outdoors! I am a gardener, hiker, swimmer, and avid frolicker. Being in nature makes me feel energized, connected, and happy. I also love weightlifting, laughing, solving tricky math problems, and snuggling with my dog (Murphey). |