Practice Blog Post

I.     Introduction

    A.    Where I’ve Lived

    B.     Life after High School

    C.     Where I am now

II.    Career

    A.    Why I chose Elementary Education

    B.     Big Brother Big Sister

    C.     21^st Century Educator

Justine Spicciani is my name, I am Fun, Crazy, Adventure-Seeking, Quirky, Loving, and most importantly, I am an Aspiring Teacher. 

I was born in Plymouth, England in 1993.

My elementary years were filled fighting off grizzly bears and enduring snow blizzards in Juneau, Alaska.

For my middle school adventures I attended Cheboygan Middle School in Michigan. 

I moved to Alabama a summer before the start of freshman year in High School; it was quite a culture shock going from the northern culture to the South.

After graduating Alma Bryant High in 2011, I took a year off before college and flew to New York where I joined GPA. Generation Peace Academy

During my time on GPA I had so many priceless experiences; I traveled all across America and met so many beautiful people who I call my best friends today.

I spent a month in South America learning the true definition of humility and the power of humanity in Guyana as I worked with children in an orphanage and helped construct a family’s home, cement block, by cement block. It was to say the least, a year to remember.

In 2012 I began my first year of college at The University of South Alabama where I did two semesters and loved it, yet craved some Northern air.

That’s when I decided Boston needed to experience Justine Spicciani; I enrolled into Bunker Hill Community College, and soon fell madly in love with that beautiful historic town of Boston. Although, it was magical, Boston was missing a key factor in my life: my family and best friends. So I completed that gorgeous fall semester and hurried home to my loves. That brings me to current day.

Spicciani Family: Grand Bay, 2014

I call Grand Bay, Alabama my home sweet home; I live with my two crazy wonderful parents, three brothers, two sister-in-laws, two chickens and a fish tank (actually it might just be one chicken now, we couldn’t find the other one a few days ago). I’m currently attending The University of South Alabama and I’m studying to eventually become the World’s Greatest Elementary School Teacher. I survive in this world by working part time at American Eagle Outfitters and also Tutoring in the Athletics department at the University of South Alabama. Overall life is Grand. 

My Main Girls, Aileen Rotondo & Chia Finamore: Mobile, 2014

My Besties, Kalee Sailors & Derek Moore: New Orleans 2014

I discovered in my senior year that children and teaching are my spark, I would say, naturally I have many strong characteristics that fit into the definition of a successful teacher. Number one, being my ability to be patient and also my desire to make learning FUN and adventurous. It all started in high School, I heard about a program called Big Brother Big Sister, where I could get out of school early every day and volunteer in a nearby Elementary school. As soon as I heard “get out of school early” I was signing up, but little did I know, my reasoning for loving this program wasn’t going to be the fact that I could leave my school early but it was that I would grow to fall in love with my class of incredible Kindergartners. I was blessed with an incredible classroom full of bright eyed six-year-olds lead by their teacher, Mrs. White. I definitely experienced some days with those spunky kindergartners that had me second guessing my new-found idea to be a teacher, but those days didn't compare to the days where the children inspired me and surprised me with their smarts and creativity. I can definitely see many differences with the things children say and do in this current generation compared to my years as an elementary student, that is why is will be very different to be a 21^st century school teacher. I think one of the biggest changes would be in technology. As technological advances occur every day, children see this and take advantage of the new smarter resources available to them. Being an educator in this new technological world means keeping up with the young generation and creating an environment where learner can become easier and more entertaining through the use of technology. 

Camp One Heart: California 2014

Camp One Heart: California 2014