1. INTRODUCTION EDU650 TEACHING LEARNING AND LEADING IN THE 21ST CENTURY

2. Hello Dr. Kyger and my fellow Ashford University classmates! My name is Susan Brantley. Thank you for taking the time to read my introduction. I am so excited to begin this journey with all of you. Here are a few things about myself!

3. PERSONAL BACKGROUND Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina Moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia at the age of 12 Youngest of 3 children Mother of 2 girls- Alexa, 23, and Kindall, 21 2 year od Border collie/beagle mix named Jack Live in Atlanta, Georgia

4. PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND Worked as a builder and interior designer most of adult life Decided to change careers about 10 years ago, and went into the education field Currently work as a Pre-k teacher for Atlanta Public Schools

5. EDUCATION Private school k-5 in Winston Salem, North Carolina Grades 6-12 transferred to public schools in Virginia Beach, Virginia Attended undergrad at Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia Attended Art School at the Art Institute of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia

6. HOBBIES Running Golfing Spending time with family and friends Taking my dog to the park Sunning by the pool

7. The switch from private school to public school when I was 12 made a huge impact in my life. As the daughter of a surgeon and the only African American child in all of my k-5 classes, I led a very sheltered life with no ethnic diversity. Once we moved to Virginia, I switched to public school, which allowed me to live and learn in a more culturally developed environment and meet new and different people. This eased my transition to a Historically Black College.

8. I am seeking a masters in education with a concentration in reading literacy. I hope to be a reading specialist with Atlanta Public Schools. I believe that a masters degree will open doors for more challenging and satisfying work in the future. In closing I would like to leave you with a quote that has left a lasting impression on me... "Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow" - Anthony J. D'Angelo