Amber Alyssa Kornegay
Ed.S., M.Ed., M.Ed., B.S.
Contents
- Contact Information and About Me
- Education
- Certifications
- Employment
- Other Responsibilities, Experiences and Events
- Philosophy
- Project Based Learning Plans and Sample Digital Products
- Favorite Tech Tools and Apps I Use
Contact Information and About Me
I am a graduate of Fayetteville High School and have lived in the same area for the majority of my life. I have a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and Technology both from Jacksonville State. I also have a Masters add-on certification in Gifted Education and an Educational Specialist Degree in Gifted Education both from the University of Alabama. I also hold a Masters Degree in Library Media from the University of West Alabama.
I am Librarian/Media Specialist, STEAM Leader, 7th and 8th Grade We Build It Better Coordinator/Teacher, 8th Grade STEAM Teacher, CoBuilding Test Coordinator, and Chromebook Manager at Fayetteville School. This is my 20th year in Education. I have taught 2nd Grade, Kindergarten, Special Education, 1st Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade and PreK-12th Grade Library and STEAM.
Reading has always been a passion of mine, my parents shared their own love of reading, then my librarian, Mrs. Ellen Harry, and my Fourth Grade Teacher, Mrs. Jane McGrady, would read aloud to us. Through their kindness and love of literature, I explored the frontier with Laura Ingalls Wilder, experienced life with a little brother named Fudge (Beverly Cleary) even though I don't have a brother, and viewed life as a mouse through the eyes of Stuart Little (E.B. White); just to name a few.
Each day I enjoy finding fun and engaging ways to incorporate Literature, STEAM, Project Based Learning and the Engineering Design Process into my lessons. While sharing my love of literature and different genres of books with children of all ages helping them all elicit a personal love of reading.
Email: amberakornegay@gmail.com
Website: https://sites.google.com/tcboe.org/mcsteam/home
Location: 5631 Childersburg Fayetteville Highway, Childersburg, AL, United States
Phone: 256-510-6635
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amberakornegay82
X: @amberakornegay
Education
M.Ed., Library Media, University of West Alabama, May 2020
Ed.S, Special Education: Gifted & Talented, University of Alabama, August 2011
M.Ed., Elementary Education and Technology, Jacksonville State University, May 2007
B.S., Elementary Education, Jacksonville State University, May 2004
Certifications
State of Alabama Teaching Certificate
AKW-0037-2391
7/1/2012 - 6/30/2022 [Valid]
Professional Certificate
Issued on 3/19/2012
Class AA, Special Education (049)
Grade Level: P-12
Gifted (0J3)
Professional Certificate
Issued on 6/8/2010
Class A, Special Education (047)
Grade Level: P-12
Gifted (0J3)
Professional Certificate
Issued on 6/12/2007
Class A, Elementary (76A)
Grade Level: K-6
Elementary Education (0N1)
Professional Certificate
Issued on 9/14/2004
Class B, Elementary (75A)
Grade Level: K-6
Elementary Education (0N1)
Highly-Qualified Teacher Eligibility Reviewed On 10/12/2004
Core Academic Subjects, Including Reading (0N1) ; Grades: K-6
CPI Certified
Hold Class B CDL with Passenger and School Bus Endorsements
Employment
2021-Present
Media Specialist/Librarian
STEAM Leader
STEAM Teacher Grades PreK-12th
7th and 8th Grade We Build It Better Coordinator/Teacher
8th Grade STEAM Teacher
CoBuilding Test Coordinator
Chromebook Manager for Grades 1st-12th
iPad Manager for Kindergarten
Talladega County Schools
Fayetteville School
Sylacauga, Alabama
2020 - 2021
1st Grade Teacher, All Subjects
Talladega County Schools
Fayetteville School
Sylacauga, Alabama
2019 - 2020
Kindergarten Teacher, All Subjects
Talladega County Schools
Fayetteville School
Sylacauga, Alabama
2016 - 2019
1st Grade Teacher, All Subjects
Talladega County Schools
Fayetteville School
Sylacauga, Alabama
2013 – 2016
2nd Grade Teacher, All Subjects
Talladega County Schools
A. H. Watwood Elementary
Childersburg, Alabama
2011 – 2013
Preschool Special Education Teacher, P3-4th Grade
Talladega County Schools
A. H. Watwood Elementary
Childersburg, Alabama
2006 – 2011
Kindergarten Teacher, All Subjects
Talladega County Schools
B. B. Comer Elementary
Sylacauga, Alabama
2004 – 2006
First Grade Teacher, All Subjects
Talladega County Schools
B. B. Comer Elementary
Sylacauga, Alabama
2002 - 2004
Substitute Teacher, All Subjects/Grades
DeKalb County Schools
Rainsville, Alabama
Other Responsibilities, Experiences and Events
2024 ATiM UA Library Media Specialist Virtual Cohort Member
2024 Fayetteville Head Track and Field Coach
2021-Present State of Alabama After School Online STEAM Teacher
* As a Part of "Expanding Learning Possibilities Through Communities of Practice"; A Partnership of the Alabama Department of Human Resources and the Children's Trust Fund
2021-2023 LETRS Certified
2022-2023 Auxiliary Sponsor for Pride of the Wolf Pack Marching Band
2022-2023 XC Head Coach
2022 Vex Go, Vex V5, and IQ Trained
2022 REWARDS CAMS/STAMS Trained
2021 Alabama Library Media Specialist Online Cohort Training
2020-2023 Fayetteville Head Field Coach
2017-2021 Wolves Archery Coach
2016-2022 Head Varsity Bowling Coach for the Fayetteville Wolves
2019-2020 2nd-5th Grade Science Club Sponsor
*Provide students with monthly enrichment activities in science related endeavors.
2019-Present Member of STEAM Leadership Team
2019 Fayetteville School Obtained Cognia STEM Certification
June 2019 STEAM Camp Instructor
CSI: Fayetteville
June 2019 Alabama Reading Initiative
* ARI Retrained/Retooled
2018-2019 STEAM Cohort Member
* Collaborate with other Educators in Talladega County to become leaders and innovators in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Education.
* Continue to implement STEAM into teaching, curriculum and learning within the classroom setting and mentor others.
2018-2019 K-5 Robotics Club Sponsor
*Mentor K-5 students as they expand their knowledge of robotics and programming as well as competing in robotics competitions.
2018 Presenter at STEAM by Design
2017-2018 STEAM Cohort Member
* Work with colleagues to become experts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Education trends.
* Continue to implement STEAM into teaching, curriculum and learning within the classroom setting and mentor others.
2017-2018 K-5 Robotics Club Sponsor
*Mentor K-5 students as they expand their knowledge of robotics and programming as well as competing in robotics competitions.
2017 Presenter at STEAM by Design
https://goo.gl/forms/wQVJOV14YGu6XzI32 …
May 2017 Talladega County Innovative Learning STEAM Showcase
* 2 1st Grade Students presented our Colton's Zoo STEAM PBL
* Our students won 1st Place Overall in K-2 PBL Presentation
2016-2017 K-5 Technology Club Sponsor
*Lead and Instruct Student Exploration and Exhibition of Technology Tools and Skills
2016-2017 STEAM Cohort Member
* Gain information and insight into Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Education trends.
* Implement STEAM into teaching, curriculum and learning within the classroom setting.
2016-2017 Member of ASTA, Alabama Science Teacher Association
2016-2017 AMSTI Math Teacher Leader
* Attend system-wide meetings to break down and assess needs at the classroom level regarding data and trends related to AMSTI Math Initiative and ACT Aspire needs.
* Collaborate with K-1 teachers to plan for curriculum and assessment changes system-wide.
* Return to school level and present information to grade group.
July 2016 Alabama Dyslexia and MSLE Trained
June 2016 iLearn Summer Technology and PBL Institute Instructor
* Led Session "Redefining the 3R's: Redefining the Way We Look at Common Core and Technology"
* Led Session "On the Hunt: Geocaching and Digital Scavenger Hunts" In the Classroom
* Led Session "Student Led Conferences-GoneDigital Help Your Students Share/Be in Charge of Their Learning"
* Co-Led Session on Coding and Robotics "Cracking the Code and Robotics"
2015-2016 Expert Down the Hall
* Assist other teachers within our school with troubleshooting tech problems
* Share ideas and strategies for implementing technology in the classroom with other teachers.
* Lead, Co-Lead Tech Tuesday Teacher Trainings.
* Co-Lead Training at Expert Down the Hall Workshop on Communication in the Classroom
2015-2016 After School Teacher
* Provide homework help and tutoring to students.
* Acquaint students with new, intriguing, tech tools through hands on iPad and EPSON board lessons
* Instruct student exploratory activities with varying art mediums.
2015-2016 Response to Instruction Team
* Assisted RtI Coordinator in meetings with K-2 classroom teachers to help strategize and plan accommodations for at-risk students.
April 2016 Green Ribbon School
* Watwood Elementary Became a Nationally Recognized U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School
March 2016 Talladega County Innovative Learning Showcase
* 4 Students presented our GeoPassport Childersburg PBL
* My students won 2nd Place Overall in K-2 Floor Presentation
June 2015 iLearn Summer Technology and PBL Institute Instructor
* Co-Led Session on Tech Integration in Grade K-2
* Led Session on Taking Digital Posters to the Next Level
June 2015 Alabama Reading Initiative
* ARI Retrained/Retooled
May 2015 Lighthouse School
* Watwood Elementary became a Leader in Me Lighthouse School
January 2015 Leader in Me Symposium
* Attended 2 Day Symposium at Athens State University
2014 iLearn Summer Technology and PBL Institute
* Participant
March 2014 PBL 101
* Participated in 3 Day Training in Project Based Learning
April 2013 Talladega County Digital Learning Showcase
* 2 Students from my PreSchool Special Needs Classroom presented our Life Cycles PBL
2011 Leader in Me
* Trained
April 2011 Talladega County Digital Learning Showcase
* Students from my Kindergarten Class Presented About Ocean Animals
June 2009 University of Alabama Summer Enrichment Workshop
* K-1 and 4-5 Teacher
* Planned and Implemented 3 Weeks of Archaeology Enrichment Lessons to challenge creative and intellectually gifted students based on Talents and Type III's. (Plan Listed under PBL Plans below.)
* Assisted Directors in Scheduling and Planning/Implementation
April 2008 Students in my Kindergarten Class Participated in the Talladega County Digital Learning Showcase
Coaching Certificates
Philosophy
As a media specialist, librarian, or teacher, I am preparing children for a life full of learning and love of books. It is my goal to successfully provide the children I teach with the best education possible; one that promotes social, emotional, and academic development, while at the same time, supplying students with the scaffolding and tools they need to grow as readers and learners who will be college and career ready. To do this, it is my job to assist teachers and students, ensuring our school library and STEAM lab is an environment allowing for individual differences and encouraging individual growth.
I grew up with the desire to be like the teachers who inspired me to enjoy reading and learning. I feel my instruction should be designed with the students’ needs in mind, and that will allow them to enjoy books and learning just as I did. The various trainings I have received, both through the school system and from degree advancement have helped prepare me to best serve my students. However I feel the most important lessons I have learned have been from my students. Phil Collins once said, “In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.” This is so very true. I learn from my students every day. I use what I learn from them to guide my instruction and planning. I also learn what works and what doesn’t.
Technology has also been a passion of mine as long as I can remember. It intrigued me, to find out as many varied and unusual ways I could use it; first when I was in school and later in college and then in my own classroom. Technology can be employed in the media center or classroom in many ways, but I feel it is most useful as a tool to inspire creativity in my students. It is my job as a media specialist/teacher to provide the knowledge; technology helps provide an outlet for expression. Tim Hansen best put it, "Creativity is especially expressed in the ability to make connections, to make associations, to turn things around and express them in a new way." I feel this is the goal of technology in my lessons. My students have certainly shown me that using technology can make learning more fun and enjoyable!
Yet, I feel the most important lesson I have learned from each of my students over the years is; we are a family. You cannot pick your family, just as you can’t pick which students walk into your classroom each year in August. However, the love I have for teaching and for my students is unparalleled. “You can pay people to teach, but you can’t pay them to care.” (Marva Collins) Regardless of disability or behavior, I am devoted to offering ALL students I work with the highest quality education, and support, academically, socially and emotionally, that I can provide.
Library Media Artifacts
More Available by Request at amberakornegay@gmail.com
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Sample Project Based Learning Plans
Big 'Ville-age, Small Business
8th Grade STEM Connections Class PBL in Progress Spring 2024
Sun, Moon and Stars Over Fayetteville - Completed Winter 2016
I've Got a Bright Idea! Sounds Like an Invention to Me!
Leaving a Legacy: Famous American Leaders (Stamp) - Completed Late Spring 2016
To access the student projects you will need to:
1. Download the Aurasma app to your phone or tablet.
2. Create an account for yourself.
3. Search for amberkwhitlock and follow my account.
4. Scan the target pictures posted below that you want to view (dots should flash, spin and then it will open). Make sure to keep the camera pointed at the target picture.
5. Enjoy the hard work!!!
GeoPassport Childersburg - Completed Early Spring 2016
Production, Distribution and Me - Completed Late Fall 2015
On Safari: Plants and Animals Synergize - Completed Late Spring 2015 (with 2014-15 2nd Graders) and Early Fall 2015 (with 2015-16 2nd Graders)
Famous American Leaders - Completed Early Spring 2015 and Late Spring 2016
Summer Enrichment Workshop Archaeology Unit - June 2009
This unit was differentiated for different grades and abilities at the University of Alabama Summer Enrichment Workshop for gifted students. Students were presented with ads and they chose what sessions they would like to attend. I taught two sessions grades K-1 and grades 4-5.
Favorite Tech Tools and Apps I Use
(In No Particular Order)
Web Based Tools or Google Based Apps
Google Classroom
Clever
Read, Write, Think
Voki
PebbleGo
Discovery Education
Smore
WeVideo
Canva
BrainPop
GoAnimate
Lino
Glogster
Today's Meet
Google Docs/Drive/Forms/Maps/Earth/etc.
Go Guardian
Tagul
Blogger
KidBlog
Prezi
Kahoot
Padlet
Thinglink
NewsELA
Popplet
Aurasma
Socrative
Blendspace
AudioBoom
Educreations
PowToon
QR Codes
iPad Apps and Tools
Tellegami
Screen Chomp
Skitch
StopMotion
Socrative
ZooKazaam
Google Classroom
Google Docs/Drive/Forms/Maps/Earth/etc.
Aurasma
SeeSaw
SkyView Free
Freedom Stories
30 Hands
PhotoMapo
Book Creator
ChatterPix
PicCollage Kids
TouchCast
SnapGuide
Action Movie
Zaption
Remind
Scan Calculator
Bar/QR Code
Wonderbox
Popplet Lite
Educreations
You Doodle
EPIC!
Write About
Voice Thread
TimeLine
iMovie
Smore
Marqueed
ThingLink
YouTube Kids
DiscoveryVR
Puppet Pals
Make A Scene
Toontastic
Trading Cards
Lino
Glogster
Phoster
Word Photo
Kodable
HopScotch
Fix the Factory
Daisy the Dinosaur
Bee-Bot
The Foos
Tynker
Scratch Jr
Show Me
Geocaching
Klikaklu
Class Dojo
123D Design
Word Salad
National Geographic Kids
Globe Geography 3D
Word Cloud
Doceri
viLoop
I am the Library Media Specialist and STEAM teacher at Fayetteville High School.