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Degrees and Certifications: B. A. in History, University of Texas at San Antonio M. A. Political Science, American Public University M.Ed. Educational Leadership Texas Education Agency Certifications: Principal Leadership Social Studies History ESL endorsement Special Education Previous positions: • St. Philips, Government and Texas Government Adjunct Professor, San Antonio, TX • Veterans Memorial High School, Social Studies teacher, San Antonio, TX • Wagner High School, Social Studies teacher, San Antonio, TX La Vernia High School, Dual Credit Government, AP Government and Macro Instructor, La Vernia, TX Judson High School, Social Studies teacher, San Antonio, TX Katy High School, Special Education Aide, Katy, TX • Banks and Harris, Attorney at Law, Fayetteville, NC • Army

Ms. Michelle Dech

Welcome to Mexican/American History

Instructor: Michelle Dech

           Hello and thank you for letting me enjoy teaching your students.  I am currently teaching Mexican American history at Veterans High School and am an adjunct professor for St. Philip’s College, which is part-time, and I enjoy using this experience to help prepare our students to be ready for the academic pursuits they have after high school.  Let me introduce myself.

           Before I became a teacher, I was in the army and worked for an attorney when I got out of the military.  I then became a teacher's aide in special education and worked all areas from the severe and profound unit to co-teach at Katy ISD. I had to deal with unexpected situations and surprises on a daily basis in a professional and effective manner. My knowledge and experience in this area has helped me to be successful with more difficult students and given me the ability to deal with these situations in a mature and understanding way. I also became increasingly aware of my individual strengths, such as being able to motivate students to achieve more academically and my ability to develop a healthy rapport between students, parents and coworkers, which led me to finishing my degree and becoming a teacher.

I have a Master of Arts in Political Science and Educational Leadership along with a Bachelor of Arts in History.  My certifications are Principal Leadership (EC-12), Social Studies (Composite), History, Special Education (EC-12) and an endorsement in English for Second Language Learners (ESL). My successful teaching performance has allowed me to serve in many leadership capacities. I have served as lead special education teacher aide, Geography chair, social studies AVID coordinator, vertical alignment committee, comparative religion committee, site council representative, textbook committee, department chair, TXran committee, Trainer of Trainers for Technology and sponsored numerous student organizations and school programs.

I believe strongly in collaboration. This includes both the Principal, administrative staff, faculty, parents, students and the community. I believe better decisions are made through participation and effective communication. I believe our first priority is student learning, whether academic or social. I believe in modeling fairness, openness, and honesty and always acting in an ethical manner. I believe what we do has a much greater impact on others than what we say. I believe in the goodness of everyone and that care and concern for others is the first step to reaching them and finding ways for them to achieve success.

 

I look forward to exploring Mexican/American History with you!!!