Garry_Marshall

Welcome to the page of Garry W. Marshall, ITRT at Fairfield Middle School in Henrico, Virginia. I wear many hats in my current role and have gained valuable experience as a result. I serve primarily in a support role for the school for parents, teachers, administrators, and students. My primary goal is to develop and maintain a nationally recognized instructional program. I do not have a classroom assignment of students, but work with the entire student population. I strive to help teachers in every content area integrate technology seamlessly into their curriculum through training, coaching, and modeling. I also serve as the staff development planner, mentor coordinator, webmaster, and in any other needed function.

My background is in science and philosophy. I graduated from a small liberal arts college when I was 20 and worked as a paralegal and accountant before settling into a teaching career. At that point, I had to receive 18 credits for my teaching license. I have taught middle school science for a number of years and continue to support science teachers throughout the division whenever possible by assisting the secondary science specialist.

I am still attempting to develop a career plan as I balance my desire for happiness above pay. I love working with students and I love science. I believe I would enjoy being a science specialist or principal eventually. At this point, I am actively seeking an assistant principal position. Upon finishing this cohort, I plan on not attending school for several years.

Technology for me, is a tool and a means to an end. I came to Henrico County for the laptop initiative. It took me several years to finally realize that it's not about the bells and whistles and the gadgets - it's about quality teaching and learning. Content knowledge trumps all, because without it, how can you communicate? I know how to use technology and can figure anything out on my own. I was a Macromedia and then an Adobe Education Leader for a number of years until last fall. I use a MacBook at work and a Dell at home. Next year, I will move to a Dell at home and work.

In terms of technology, I prefer to be un-wired rather than wired. I prefer to go outside and enjoy the weather rather than be inside. I do carry my Droid with me when jogging and use the GPS app along with my music. However, I prefer a good book to a laptop any day and so I'm not always savvy to the latest and hottest YouTube video. In all honesty, working with technology all day has done a lot to reduce my time at home with technology. It can be difficult to work on a computer most of the day and then come home and do the same thing.


 * Here are some sites that I have created:**

http://fairfieldms.com/ http://hcpssciencespot.com/ http://teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/fairfield/marshall_g/