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 2009: Meet Teresa Street
Look out Boise here I come!  
Yes, that’s right, I’m on my way!   
Who am I?
My name is Teresa Street, I am 32 years old and I live in Hobart, Tasmania.

Why am I coming to Idaho? It’s because of boys, no not in the way that you are thinking!  I have a passion for teaching boys and would love to learn more about how to do it well.  I am currently a teacher in a government school called Dodges Ferry Primary School. Our school has a
population of approximately 400 students (with a lot more boys than girls).  We have a great location, by the beach, and our clientele come
from a diverse range of socio-economic backgrounds.  The ongoing trend is that our boys are less successful and more disengaged than our girls.

I graduated from the University of Tasmania in 1997 with a Bachelor of Education.  Over the last 11 years I have taken on a variety of teaching roles in a wide range of schools and stepped in and out of the teaching profession.  After 3 years at Dodges Ferry Primary School, in 2008 I took up the challenge of teaching a grade 3/4 boys class, something new for our co-educational school.  Now that I am nearing the end of our school year I can say that I love it and I think it has worked for ‘my boys’ and I (although it definitely had its hurdles along the way!).  In 2008 I was successful in receiving a Hardie Fellowship, this will allow me to come and work in the states, learn from you all and share my experiences.   My aim is to learn more about how to engage boys in literacy. I am really excited about this opportunity and can’t wait to get there.  I am  looking forward to meeting and working with Jeffrey Wilhelm, who has been extremely supportive already.

On a personal note, I love to travel, swim and enjoy the odd glass of wine with friends.  My family are the strength and foundation for everything I do in my life.  I am the proud aunty of 7 nephews and nieces who assist me in my love of laughter. I enjoy challenges and take on most adventures that come my way.

I can’t wait to get there and meet you all!
Teresa Street
2008: Meet Erica Boas

Hi, my name is Erika Boas and I am from Tasmania, Australia (not Tasmania, Colorado or Tanzania!) Tasmania is the island state of Australia and we are famous for apple growing and our cool climate wines. Also known as the 'green state' - Tasmania is rich with pristine natural environments, including untouched wilderness, lakes, mountains and beaches.  There is also strong community desire to preserve our natural environment and a strong conservation movement.   

Back home, I am the Head of the Junior High School at New Norfolk High.  This is a 7-10 Co-ed public school with just under 400 students.   The school is in a semi-rural setting,  situated on the beautiful Derwent River in the Derwent Valley - about a half hour drive from our State capital of Hobart.  Just ten minutes down the road from our school is the spectacular Mount Field National Park with gorgeous lakes and waterfalls and home to lots of Tasmanian devils!

I have been teaching for nine years and graduated from the University of Tasmania with a double degree - Bachelor of Arts (with a History Major) and a Bachelor of Education (with honours).   Together with managing the teaching and learning program for the Junior High School, I also teach Mathematics, Drama, Inquiry Methods and Personal Futures - a program that a colleague and I established in the school where we explore the question, 'how do I learn best?'  In this program the students use thinking tools and strategies to assist them to maximise their learning and they explore ways to relate to each other and work in a democratic classroom environment.

I am in the United States for Six months on a teaching fellowship with the goal being to learn more about literacy programs, tools, strategies, Inquiry based learning and how to translate this into best practice in a school based literacy program to meet the needs of all learners.  During this time I am primarily based in Boise, Idaho.  I am lucky enough to be learning from Jeffrey Wilhelm - who has had a strong influence of my approach to teaching.  I am attending classes at Boise State, I am participating in conferences and presentations and have been making regular visits to local schools.  I will be taking part in the Summer Writing Project and very much look forward to working with, and learning from, the other fellows.

Outside of work - I love to travel, read, drink coffee, shop, drink more coffee, socialise with friends and experience new adventures.   I am enjoying my time in Boise immensely.  Boise is a beautiful city with friendly people and beautiful attractions.  I have already had the great pleasure of travelling to Sun Valley, and for someone who is not used to seeing snow - the scenery has been spectacular.  I look forward to the next five months and the many new adventures that I will encounter.

Erika Boas