Introduction Letter

Hello! My name is Allison Hoffman and I am from Oceanside, California. I have lived here since I was 11 years old. I was born in La Palma, California, and I moved to Buffalo Grove, Illinois (outside Chicago) when I was 3. I attended grades K-5 at James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School in Arlington Heights, Illinois. When I moved to Oceanside, I went to middle school at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. Then I went down the street to El Camino High School for all 4 years. I received my B.A. in political science at UCSD in 2008 and also had the amazing opportunity to study for a semester in Sweden at Lund University. I hope to get my multiple subject teaching credential at CSUSM and then eventually obtain a master's degree as well!

My experience with technology tends to be determined by the people I am comparing myself to. For instance, my dad can barely compose an email (bless his heart), so he considers me a computer genius. I definitely do not consider myself one, but I can figure most things out (even if it takes me awhile). I am familiar with Microsoft Office programs, internet browsing, the basics, etc. What I don't now, I know how to google. :) I recently purchased a 13" Macbook Pro which I LOVE, but I don't really have anything against PCs. I just miss the "4 finger swipe" when I use any PC.

The CSUSM mission statement attracted me to the school because of its emphasis on lifelong learning. I am excited to join a profession that encourages everyone involved to continue pursuing higher education at all phases of their lives. My goal is to be the type of teacher who is open to learning from a variety of sources including my students. I hope to be considered an educator as well as a lifelong learner.