Welcome students and parents/guardians!!   As someone with an 11 year background in the technology industry prior to beginning my current career as a high school Social Studies teacher, I know the importance of using technology tools to communicate with students and parents.   And in today's uncertain school year, the use of technology is imperative! I have a Sociology degree from the University of Texas at Austin and hold a Social Studies teaching certification from the University of Texas at Dallas.  Before moving to North Carolina in 2009, I was a Microsoft Windows System Administrator in the banking industry.   While I enjoyed my challenging career in the technology industry, my long term goal was always to teach at the high school level.  History and traveling are two of my greatest passions, so teaching Social Studies was an easy decision for me.  After more than a decade in the tech industry, I opted to leave my career at the bank and start new opportunities in public education.   In my almost decade long teaching career, I have taught Psychology/Sociology, Civics & Economics, American History, Law and Justice, AP US History  and AP Government and Politics.   A message about motivation... In order to succeed in class and in life, students are doing to need something larger than just a "grade" to motivate and focus on learning.  There are 3 important skills your teen will need to build every day whether we are in class or learning online: Find their intrinsic motivation, always work to delay gratification, and constantly improve his or her ability to focus attention on the knowledge classes are dropping.   Using and improving these 3 skills is key to putting forth best effort, which of course, translates to higher grades.  I encourage teens on a daily basis to build and practice these 3 skills, making sure they move towards the overall goal of being an independent learner, critical thinker, and someone who tackles all challenging tasks in class and life with a fearless attitude!  This year is going to be extra challenging for everyone!  We will need maximum help and attention from parents and guardians following your teen's coursework, and need you to be vocal and involved, making sure Wake County Schools and Southeast Raleigh Magnet know what you need for success!  Thanks for all YOU do parents and guardians!  Contact me anytime via email at lthrower@wcpss.net if you have questions, comments, or concerns.