Maya+Edgar

Hi Everyone! My name is Maya Edgar. This is my second year with the EPIT/Gifted & Creative Education department. I am completing (yay on May 11th!) my Specialist Degree in GCE. I currently work as the TAG Chair and Honors Biology educator at Langston Hughes High School. I hope to work one day at the county level (or beyond!) to work with and for Gifted students, families, teachers and communities. I expect to gain how to fully engage and hook our gifted students in school. For the gifted student, getting them to buy in to buidling a solid foundation to reach their educational goals is important. I enjoy working with and for gifted children. We can all learn from one another. It's been a great career in education so far ~14 years and counting! I have been fortunate to work in Florida and Georgia in primary and secondary education in science and gifted settings. I have been married for fourteen years to a wonderful and understanding spouse. Together we have two energetic, playful and active daughters (dancing, church, Girl Scouts) currently in 8th grade & 4th grade and opposite in all possible ways (except for both doing well in school). When I am not working on UGA, Gifted or Biology content, I like to hang out with my family and friends, read, exercise and watch wedding shows. I look forward to interacting with you in this course and in the Spring semester. I do like technology and try out new things in the field from time to time. Why not make life interesting and simple right? I agree! If you need to reach me, please email mrsmdpe@gmail.com at ANY time. Texting works too - my number is 678-561-7456.





My teaching metaphor~To me teaching is like a never ending discovery of what works for who I serve. I love learning about "new" (may be renamed or recycled) and different trends in education when it comes to theory, science and gifted students. I feel that I must embody and reflect what I believe about education ~ that it's valuable, credible, coherent, relevant and relatable. I am always open to learning about and trying out what may work with my students because I do believe that we can reach or effect change for students in some way. I can't say that teaching has an end but it sure is a journey and after 14 years, there is much to reflect on. Teaching is like a never ending trip where you take the scenic route and enjoy all the scenery, culture and experience as much as you can along the way. You soak it all in because you don't want to forget all the great experiences you had because you can't wait to share this experience with someone else. Teaching gives us something to be excited about every day. ﻿My top ten must haves....if you teach high school*a good attitude - because it can be contagious *a winning smile - you might get one in return*a mint- it stimulates the mind*a laugh - breaks up the stress of things*a story - shows how us how to relate*a relationship - goes a long way when things are short*a willingness - to help and serve those who need us*a ear - you may be the only person willing to give them the time to be heard*a eye - to see and read between the lines*a heart - makes you human

My "Raisin Brains" twin is: (drum roll please!) Pandora! I used process of elimination for this assignment.

Stanley was a non-studier who guessed well & had high sensitivities (textures, food & was emotionally intense at times). Non-studying was NOT part of me or my personality. Besides, I needed to have time for piano practice (I've played since I was 3.5 years old).

Otto was a runner up because he was stubborn (like myself), blended in socially BUT did not like to take social risks (not me!)

Magnolia was also a contender due to her leadership skills (no matter how misconstrued they were but she did mean well) and a social butterfly BUT a daydreamer who dreamed her classtime away (not I). I had to do my best on all tests and couldn't dream of wasting time thinking about life after school....!

Rupert was just too young but I did love his happy attitude - who didn't?!

Pandora was the word smart reader who was a driven information seeker (much like myself) who wanted things in a particular format - remember the wrinkled blanket? She didn't care much about what others thought but wasn't afraid to take social risks that did get her noticed. It makes me think back to 3rd grade when I insisted on wearing my Dallas Cowboys shirt for class picture day because I loved (and still do) that team and wanted to show my support. My mom wasn't pleased (girls should look nice for picture day) but allowed me to do so. From that point on, I appreciated the fact that my mom allowed me to show some personality/individuality even if she didn't agree with the outcome. I've always wanted to know and seek out information so my friends refer to me as the "information box". I am opinionated but I try my best not to steamroller over others feelings. To me, I think that Pandora is the best fit to my younger self from our "Raisin Brains" text.