Welcome to EDU 214

My name is Bettina Ryan. I am originally from The Netherlands. When I was 9 years old my
mother moved us to Huntington Beach, California. This move was a huge culture shock to me as
I learned to speak English as a second language. One year later we relocated to Laguna Hills,
California. I went to elementary school, middle school, and High School in Laguna Hills. After I
graduated from High School I went to Saddleback college, which is a community college in
California. After completing 2 years at Saddleback college, I moved to Arizona. In 1991 I moved
to Las Vegas and decided to call this home.
I am currently employed as an SPTA in a primary autism classroom. I have been working with
children since 1997.Before working at CCSD, I was an early childhood educator. I taught pre-k
and was an Early Childhood Center Director for many years. I have 3 daughters, 1 son, and 5
grandchildren. I enjoy listening to music, reading Harry Potter, going to the gym, and l love dogs.
I am a huge Golden Knights fan. I am a CASA (court-appointed special advocate for children). The
Golden Knights held a benefit for the CASA foundation where they skated with foster children
for 2 hours, had pizza with the children, and donated a huge check. I was lucky to be a part of
this event and got to meet some of the players and got to skate with them.
I am excited to learn as much as I possibly can in this course since technology is not something
that is easy for me. As an SPTA, I see teachers use technology every day at school. I see how the
students relate to technology and what a useful teaching tool it is. I am used to being creative
with pencils, markers, paints, glue, scissors, paper, and many other materials. I will keep my
fingers crossed and hope to be able to show my creative side by using technology.
I hope to teach Kindergarten, first grade, or second grade one day. I really love the school where
I am currently employed and hope to continue as a teacher at this school. I love working with
children and it is my goal to continue in this profession until it is time to retire. I look forward to
getting to know everyone in the class.