Hello. My name is
Christine Hodges
My Story.
Big Timber: Small Town, Big Character.
I spent my childhood running through irrigation sprinklers on a ranch in Big Timber, Montana. Despite its small population, Big Timber certainly lived up to its name in other ways. For one, that little town had "big" heart—it was a close-knit community where we drew together in both times of need and in celebration.
Residents boasted a tremendous love of outdoors and adventure, and we spent our days hiking, fly-fishing, floating the rivers, hunting, or skiing. This adventurous spirit infused with a “big” love of learning: National student literacy conventions were annually held on a ranch 20 miles out of town, and classes frequently toured Yellowstone National Park or the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Finally, Big Timber took ‘big’ pride in strong work ethic. With our ranching background, it was common for us ranch kids to spend time stacking firewood, pounding fence posts, irrigating, and helping out with the local brandings. We understood from an early age that you get whatever you put in, and that working hard for something is truly gratifying.
Big Dreams Under the Big Sky: Lighting the Spark.
Upon entering The University of Montana, I enrolled in The School of Education and pursued minors in communication studies and piano. It was at The University of Montana where I first met Bonnie Spence, who has since served as my teacher, sorority advisor, employer, mentor, and friend. Upon hearing her experiences of teaching abroad in Europe and South America, the possibility of a career in international education sparked.
After graduating from Montana in 2010, I set off to see what teaching experience I could gain in Colorado. Before I left, however, wildland firefighting stole my heart. It was through digging line on fires across the north and southwest that I learned what I was really made of: Fire taught me to learn and accomplish tasks entirely out of my comfort zone, to take risks, to trust others with my life, and to push myself both physically and mentally while adapting to consistently changing and hazardous environments. It became a huge part of who I am, and I carry these attributes with me while teaching overseas.
After fire season and upon reaching Colorado, I found the break-through that I was looking for. I was hired at Monterey Elementary School in Colorado Springs, where I superseded 4th and 5th grade math instruction mid-year. The students were of minority and low socioeconomic backgrounds and tested at 11% and 16% subject proficiency levels, so I utilized MAP scores to create a pacing guide that aligned with students’ individual areas for growth. These goals ranging from the understanding of basic multiplication facts to an introduction of eighth grade algebra.
Once the school year and following fire season had finished, I taught first-grade in alignment with Common Core Standards in Saint Regis, MT for the next two years. In a small town, teachers wear many hats, so I also served as the adult education coordinator, cheerleading coach, OULA dance fitness instructor, an attendance committee member, and a PBIS committee member. In addition to all of that, I began a graduate program through Benedictine University to attain a Masters of Education in Reading and Literacy.
Venezuela: Beginning Life Abroad.
In July 2014, I embarked upon the most eye-opening experience in my life to date: I moved to Venezuela to fulfill my dream of becoming an international educator. I am thankful to have been at Colegio Internacional Puerto La Cruz (CIPLC) because this initial post overseas pushed me in ways that I never thought were possible. Professionally, I grew through a ten-fold increase in technology integration, PBL projects, service learning, gamification, ESL best practices, heightened differentiated instruction for all subjects, globally collaborative projects, and the implementation a student-led classroom. I learned all of this in addition to completing my Masters of Education in Reading and Literacy from Benedictine University, and while serving as the Professional Growth Committee chair and a Standards 3: Accreditation committee member. CIPLC is filled with experienced educators from all walks of life, and it was a true privilege to learn from them and share in a supportive, collaborative community of dedicated professionals.
Venezuela shaped not only my professional practices, but my character as well. Personally, living abroad has taught me the true meaning of patience and resilience, the rewards of learning a second language, to choose happiness no matter what the circumstances, and to recognize my own identity outside of my culture. This developing country has taught me that everything is always a matter of perspective, and I have learned to practice self-reliance and open-mindedness, to question my values before solidifying those of most personal importance, and to exercise high levels of both cultural acceptance and empathy.
The journey didn't stop there, however, and I look forward to many more adventures and learning opportunities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.