Personal Introduction

Hello! My name is Corrie Marquardt and I'm a post graduate student at CSUSM. I was born in Redlands, Ca and lived there for a few years. We moved to Texas for a couple years, then back to California. When I was 9 my family moved to the Philippines because my dad is a pastor and felt led to do missionary work there. So from the age of 9 through 15 we lived there. I learned the language quickly, made friends, and eventually graduated High School there. I graduated at the age of 15--not because I'm so smart :), but simply because they graduate early there. They go straight from 6th grade into their first year of high school, completely eliminating Jr. High. Academically it is MUCH harder there as they are driven to overcome poverty through education. With all that said, I went to a Jr. College (when we moved back to the USA) for many years until I got serious about graduating. I finally graduated with my BA from CSUSM in 1999, and the following year with my Preliminary Teaching Credential. I subbed for several years trying to get hired into schools, but it was a very competitive time and I just didn't have experience. So I went and taught for a couple years in private schools, then stopped teaching all together to have kids. I currently live in Oceanside and have been married for 7 years. I have two sons (ages 3 & 3mo.) and two stepdaughters (ages 10 &15) I now happily stay at home with my kids. I'm taking this course to get my Clear Credential, as my Preliminary Credential has expired, and I'd like to keep it current in case I need to go back to teaching.

Personally, I've been into computers for the past 10 years or so. I've used most all MS Office programs for some sort of work, I email, am internet friendly, and can figure out most programs pertaining to the computer. I'm definitely a PC person, however, I'm interested to see what MAC has to offer through this class. As a teacher, my kids were able to use the computer in our classroom to create reports, research, and play educational games during free time. They also had computer days during the week to use the lab.

As I stated before, I am a CSUSM graduate, and thus the reason for my coming back to get my Clear Credential. It honestly has nothing to do with the Mission Statement. I do like the Mission Statement--specifically the part where it states they aim to "transform public education by preparing thoughtful educators and advancing professional practices."