BSWP's International Fellow
Meet Erica Boas!
Hi, my name is Erika Boas and I am from Tasmania, Australia (not Tasmania,
Colorado or Tanzania!) Tasmania is the
island state of Australia and we are
famous for apple growing and our cool climate wines. Also known as the 'green
state' - Tasmania is rich with pristine natural environments, including
untouched wilderness, lakes, mountains and beaches. There is also strong
community desire to preserve our natural environment and a strong conservation
movement.
Back home, I am the Head of the Junior High School at New Norfolk High. This is
a 7-10 Co-ed public school with just under 400 students. The school is in a
semi-rural setting, situated on the beautiful Derwent River in the Derwent
Valley - about a half hour drive from our State capital of Hobart. Just ten
minutes down the road from our school is the spectacular Mount Field National
Park with gorgeous lakes and waterfalls and home to lots of Tasmanian devils!
I have been teaching for nine years and graduated from the University of
Tasmania with a double degree - Bachelor of Arts (with a History Major) and a
Bachelor of Education (with honours). Together with managing the teaching and
learning program for the Junior High School, I also teach Mathematics, Drama,
Inquiry Methods and Personal Futures - a program that a colleague and I
established in the school where we explore the question, 'how do I learn best?'
In this program the students use thinking tools and strategies to assist them
to maximise their learning and they explore ways to relate to each other and
work in a democratic classroom environment.
I am in the United States for Six months on a teaching fellowship with the goal
being to learn more about literacy programs, tools, strategies, Inquiry based
learning and how to translate this into best practice in a school based literacy
program to meet the needs of all learners. During this time I am primarily
based in Boise, Idaho. I am lucky enough to be learning from Jeffrey Wilhelm -
who has had a strong influence of my approach to teaching. I am attending
classes at Boise State, I am participating in conferences and presentations and
have been making regular visits to local schools. I will be taking part in the
Summer Writing Project and very much look forward to working with, and learning
from, the other fellows.
Outside of work - I love to travel, read, drink coffee, shop, drink more coffee,
socialise with friends and experience new adventures. I am enjoying my time in
Boise immensely. Boise is a beautiful city with friendly people and beautiful
attractions. I have already had the great pleasure of travelling to Sun Valley,
and for someone who is not used to seeing snow - the scenery has been
spectacular. I look forward to the next five months and the many new adventures
that I will encounter.
Erika Boas