"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Rachelle in the role of Technology Integration Specialist at Oakland Schools. As her direct supervisor, Rachelle has proven herself to me as an excellent resource in the field of technology education for teachers, staff and students. In our time working together, Rachelle has time and time again proven that she is professional, approachable and mindful of her teacher’s needs. She very quickly has made significant impacts in the entire district’s approach to technology and curriculum integration. West Bloomfield School District is extremely lucky to have Rachelle and I am thankful to work with her."
-Jeff Sharp, Oakland Schools ISD, Director of Technology – Field Services
-Jeff Sharp, Oakland Schools ISD, Director of Technology – Field Services
"I have had the pleasure working with Rachelle in two different capacities at Oakland Schools, the ISD for Oakland County, Michigan. As part of the Oakland Schools Technology Integration team, she was the missing piece that we had been searching for. Rachelle’s profound and extensive knowledge on STEAM education combined with her creativity and passion makes her a valuable asset to Technology Integration team. In a short time, she has morphed into a team leader, challenging colleagues to “take it to the next level” and “think outside of the box”. This fall I became the Technology Coordinator for the West Bloomfield School District where Rachelle is assigned. The way she works with educators to combine technology, pedagogy and content knowledge is both impressive and outstanding. It is amazing to watch some of the authentic learning experiences she has helped create for students. In West Bloomfield, Rachelle is greatly admired and respected amongst our technology team, district educators, district administration, and students. It is an absolute pleasure working with Rachelle."
-Allyson Rae Dewar, Oakland Schools ISD, Technology Coordinator-West Bloomfield School District
-Allyson Rae Dewar, Oakland Schools ISD, Technology Coordinator-West Bloomfield School District
"Rachelle Galang is my go-to girl for all things technology! She is THE MOST knowledgeable person I have ever met not only in regards to technology, but how to integrate it into the classroom. She makes things that used to seem hard, much easier. Her quick responses to my emails are second to none. Her directions are clear and concise and any time I need further clarification, she is there with patience and understanding. We have co-taught lessons when I was teaching STEAM, collaborated during my PLC, and worked one-on-one as I was learning the curriculum to teach computers. Rachelle has inspired some of my best lessons and her support has made me feel confident to continue to learn on my own. Rachelle is someone you can count on, trust, and learn from. When I think of someone who has helped me grow as an educator, I think of Rachelle. She is truly a blessing to our district, and I feel extremely grateful for all of her support."
-Blaine McDowell, West Bloomfield School District- West Bloomfield Middle School Dean of Students
-Blaine McDowell, West Bloomfield School District- West Bloomfield Middle School Dean of Students
"I have worked with Rachelle Galang for many years and in many different aspects of technology. She has always been a district "go to" person and is always willing to provide extra support, staff training and professional development. She is truly a phenomenal person to work with and always has the answer to my technical questions and needs. If for some reason she doesn't know the answer off hand, she diligently works until she can find the answer for you. She is patient and is creative in her delivery of helping, demonstrating and training the teachers and staff she works with. Technology can be a sensitive issue for some people, but Rachelle never makes you feel as if you are incompetent or your questions are repetitive. She will meet with you every day if needed. She has been a crucial part of my journey into online teaching and I am so thankful for her expertise."
-Tricia Bairski, West Bloomfield School District- Gretchko Elementary Teacher
-Tricia Bairski, West Bloomfield School District- Gretchko Elementary Teacher
"I'm so grateful to have the amazing assistance and expertise of Rachelle Galang in WBSD. Rachelle has infinite knowledge of all kinds of technology. Nothing stumps her, and she has a way of figuring out and teaching you exactly what you need to know. She is kind and helpful, always supportive, punctual and encouraging. Additionally, she posts the most helpful hints and tips, weekly, for all. She is always introducing us to new apps, extensions, games, features, platforms...you name it...if she thinks we can use it, she'll find a way to get info to us. Her one-on-one sessions are a lifesaver and the courses she designs to help small groups are amazing. I don't know where we'd be without the tech support, help and expertise of Rachelle Galang. She's the best GENIUS in the business, and we are so lucky to have her in WB. Plus, she's been unbelievably helpful with Canvas, on top of everything else she is juggling and managing. Rachelle is the BEST!!!!!"
-April Tini, West Bloomfield School District- West Bloomfield Middle School Choir Teacher
-April Tini, West Bloomfield School District- West Bloomfield Middle School Choir Teacher
"Rachelle has been so kind to meet with my department every week to answer our questions about Canvas and there are a lot of them! She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Canvas, Zoom, and ANY technology questions for that matter. She is my go to person when I have a question, not only does she always have the answer but she answers promptly, kindly and in a way in which I understand. She has a way of explaining things that is not over our heads and we don't feel like she is talking down to us. We so appreciate Rachelle."
-Molly Marshall, West Bloomfield School District- West Bloomfield High School Art Teacher
-Molly Marshall, West Bloomfield School District- West Bloomfield High School Art Teacher
"I am very fortunate Rachelle Galang is the Technology Integration Specialist for the West Bloomfield School District. To say Rachelle has been helpful to me, is an understatement. I am a teacher who is not always so confident using technology and learning it on my own. Rachelle has helped me countless times with our one-on-one zoom sessions and before the pandemic Rachelle would come to my classroom to help me with all my technology questions. When remote learning started last year due to the pandemic, Rachelle was there for me to guide me through teaching remotely. Prior to that, she would always be there to help me, whether it was creating email groups for all of my classes or teaching me how to use Google Drive and Google Classroom. Now, Rachelle is helping me navigate Canvas. Rachelle has saved me so much time and helped me avoid frustration with all of her help and I am so grateful that she is available to help me and all of the teachers in West Bloomfield Schools. While technology is always changing, I know that if I need any help, I can always just set up a meeting with Rachelle. I have referred Rachelle to many of my colleagues and I often tell my administrators how helpful Rachelle is. Rachelle is truly a terrific Technology Integration specialist."
-Mike Weingarden, West Bloomfield School District- West Bloomfield Middle School Math Teacher
-Mike Weingarden, West Bloomfield School District- West Bloomfield Middle School Math Teacher
"Rachelle has been so supportive in technology integration within my 1st grade classroom as well encouraging my own professional growth. Her enthusiasm and passion is contagious! Rachelle is on top of all innovative and current trends. She has worked side by side with me on coding, stop motion and Lego robotics. I appreciate her excellent communication skills especially when she hosts Twitter chats, weekly technology emails and professional development. Rachelle has helped me take my teaching to the next level!."
-Amy Quinn, West Bloomfield School District- Gretchko Elementary Teacher
-Amy Quinn, West Bloomfield School District- Gretchko Elementary Teacher
“Rachelle has been an integral part of our learning community for her entire tenure with West Bloomfield Schools. From the moment she arrived, Rachelle integrated herself into the school community. She is an accessible resource for all staff members, and has been instrumental in the growth and utilization of technology in classrooms. For me personally, she has been a patient mentor. Her willingness to work with me on developing a repertoire using instructional technology has enhanced my teaching. I can honestly say I am a better teacher having worked with Rachelle.”
-Joseph Brandell, PhD, Chairman, Department of Mathematics, West Bloomfield High School; Lecturer, Oakland University
-Joseph Brandell, PhD, Chairman, Department of Mathematics, West Bloomfield High School; Lecturer, Oakland University
"Working with Rachelle is pure joy! I'm not sure I've worked with such an easy-going, knowledgeable, and creative person. In order to be helpful, she only needs to know the desired outcome and the grade level of the students. Armed with that information, she creates lessons and works collaboratively to provide experiences for teachers and students that are memorable, engaging and on-point. Recently, I invited Rachelle to speak to student teachers in my Grand Valley State University class. Her presentation provided resources for using technology in the classroom for students in grades K-12. Rachelle's information was rich with suggestions for integrating technology into the curriculum in an effort to extend learning in powerful ways. The student teachers left with newly acquired knowledge that could be utilized with students immediately. Rachelle is a valuable source of information, a true professional, and leader in the field of technology integration."
-Julie Abeska, Grand Valley State University- Adjunct Instructor, West Bloomfield High School Information & Technology Specialist
-Julie Abeska, Grand Valley State University- Adjunct Instructor, West Bloomfield High School Information & Technology Specialist
"Rachelle is one of my favorite teachers. She has an amazing ability to understand the balance of being a leader, and being a facilitator. Often teachers get carried away with giving their students every single detail, but Rachelle knows just the right amount of information to give the students, so that they are confident but can also discover features and components on their own. Her enthusiasm and love of technology is infectious. She is never short of ideas and always tackles all of our questions with a variety of options for us to choose from, learning ourselves how to best challenge our students. She’s a leader, deep thinker, listener and an inspiration to all she encounters. My only wish is that Rachelle could co-teach with me all day long."
-Kristi Law, West Bloomfield School District- Roosevelt Elementary Teacher
-Kristi Law, West Bloomfield School District- Roosevelt Elementary Teacher
"Rachelle has been a fantastic resource for me and my students as our District Technology Integration Specialist. Rachelle has visited my classroom on several occasions to introduce new technology resources and applications to help enhance my student's learning and engagement in our curriculum. Rachelle has been instrumental in helping me find ways for my students to showcase their work to a wider, authentic audience. My students love when they get to spend time with Rachelle. She always makes them feel valued and heard.
Along with helping my students, Rachelle has been an invaluable resource for my own personal development. Rachelle has met with me to help me plan how to use technology effectively and how to increase my own productivity. Along with meeting with teachers on on one, Rachelle also offers professional development classes in our district and ISD. Rachelle is a true asset to our district. We are lucky to have her on our team!"
-Jennifer Ladd, West Bloomfield School District- Scotch Elementary Teacher
Along with helping my students, Rachelle has been an invaluable resource for my own personal development. Rachelle has met with me to help me plan how to use technology effectively and how to increase my own productivity. Along with meeting with teachers on on one, Rachelle also offers professional development classes in our district and ISD. Rachelle is a true asset to our district. We are lucky to have her on our team!"
-Jennifer Ladd, West Bloomfield School District- Scotch Elementary Teacher
"It has been a tremendous asset having Rachelle to work with in the district. As I plan for and create student projects, I can tap into Rachelle's expertise in technology. With her help I have had classes discuss plate boundaries with maps and real world examples using a green screen, design web pages for birthstones, and modeled meiosis with stop motion animation. Rachelle is extremely knowledgeable with the latest technology trends and is able to guide and answer any of the student questions. She is always willing to be in the classroom with me when I introduce the project and so she handles the technology piece and I field the content questions and expectations. With Rachelle's guidance, adding the 21st century technology skills to current projects goes much smoother. I appreciate having Rachelle in the West Bloomfield District."
-Robin Loudermilk, West Bloomfield School District- West Bloomfield High School Teacher
-Robin Loudermilk, West Bloomfield School District- West Bloomfield High School Teacher
"Rachelle Galang is someone that every school should have available to them as not only a professional resource, but as a collaborative colleague to provide support and coaching for personal growth. Roosevelt Elementary is the STEAM campus for West Bloomfield, and our dedication to the "Technology" part of STEAM is built upon the foundation that Rachelle has provided for us. Her willingness to spend as much time as necessary helping staff learn at whatever stage they are individually at (from how to troubleshoot an interactive whiteboard to how to best integrate Breakout EDU across multiple curricular areas and grade levels) is what makes our program thrive. Her impact goes far beyond one classroom, one building, or even one district. Thanks for all you do Miss Galang!!"
-Dennis Rapal, West Bloomfield School District- Roosevelt Elementary School Principal
-Dennis Rapal, West Bloomfield School District- Roosevelt Elementary School Principal
"Rachelle has been an invaluable resource to the West Bloomfield District and particularly Abbott Middle School. I have personally attended Professional Development sessions where Rachelle has presented and have also had her come to do training with staff on various ways to use technology tools in the classroom. Because of her weekly Tools and Tips Tuesday emails, Abbott wrote a grant to purchase a GoPro Crossbraining Kit and Web App. Our STEAM classes are using it as a way to show their learning in a more relevant way than the typical paper pencil assessment. Teachers also have commented how Rachelle has made herself so accessible to them on a one on one basis through her easy online sign up. For just one person, Rachelle has made a huge impact on teaching and learning in our building as well as in the district."
-Amy Hughes, West Bloomfield School District- Abbott Middle School Principal
-Amy Hughes, West Bloomfield School District- Abbott Middle School Principal
"Not only is Rachelle a resource for instructional staff, but she proactively reached out to business office and human resources staff to offer help with Microsoft Excel. She taught us how to enter multi-variable VLOOKUP formulas, which has drastically increased efficiency in the office. Before we had to manually enter new dollar amounts into our excel documents for each staff member when a staff member's lane, step, or benefit status changed. With the new formulas, now is this no longer necessary, but in a matter of just a few minutes we can determine what the exact cost of proposed steps and salary increases are for collective bargaining."
-Arthur Ebert, West Bloomfield School District, Deputy Superintendent for Talent Development and Management
-Arthur Ebert, West Bloomfield School District, Deputy Superintendent for Talent Development and Management
"Rachelle is an exceedingly talented young educator. As one of the professors who was privileged to work with her during her Master's of Educational Technology degree program, I saw Rachelle delight in challenge. During our coursework together, she grappled with very hard questions of practice, revised her work thoughtfully in response to feedback, engaged deeply in a process of professional inquiry, and communicated her lesson design work effectively to multiple stakeholders using a variety of formats and media. For a teacher educator, there really is nothing better than seeing a student so completely engaged in her work and committed to becoming the best teacher she can be. As a technology integrator, Rachelle also brings a unique capacity for creative problem solving to her work. Her knowledge of a broad range of technologies is impressive -- and even more impressive, she has a keen sense of how effectively each of them can support teaching and learning. For Rachelle, the sky is the limit. I look forward to watching her innovate, create, explore, and share her talents with students through every phase of her career. "
-Michelle Schira Hagerman, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Ottawa @mshagerman
-Michelle Schira Hagerman, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Ottawa @mshagerman
"I have known Rachelle Galang since the summer of 2014 when she became my advisee and student in the Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) overseas program at Michigan State University. Rachelle came to the program with very strong letters of recommendation and she certainly lived up to expectations! Rachelle was an active member of not only classroom discussions but the community of practitioners at large. Rachelle demonstrated deep engagement with course activities. The first year coursework is centered around the idea of Maker Education. Rachelle focused on learning 3D printing. As a part of class activities we visited a local MakerSpace. There, Rachelle worked closely with volunteers at the MakerSpace to print her 3D rendering. This is something that I know she will take back to her school and classrooms. I look forward to getting to know Rachelle and her work better when she returns overseas in the summer of 2015 to complete her MAET coursework."
-Leigh Graves Wolf, PhD Assistant Professor, MAET Co-Director @gravesle
-Leigh Graves Wolf, PhD Assistant Professor, MAET Co-Director @gravesle
"I am fortunate that my path and Rachelle’s crossed, and that something happened at the crossroad, heart to heart. I know Rachelle from our two summers in Galway: Rachelle as a MAET student, and myself as Student Life Director. I am also a veteran teacher, at the end of my career. I often say that the difference between young and old, is that the young teachers know, and veterans teachers know that they don’t know. However, I have rarely encountered a young teacher with such drive, passion, and willingness to explore, to reflect and to question her practice. She is already accomplished in many aspects, yet in an ever-expanding growth mindset. Rachelle makes me feel humble, and her attitude tells me that I owe it to my students to keep questioning, and growing in my practice. She is an inspiration to me, she is a teacher to me. Thank you for making me feel that I should continue teaching and growing as if I were never to retire. Thank you Rachelle Galang, thank you for your broad and sparkling smile, thank you for your contagious laughter, thank you for having crossed my path, and thank you for all I learned from watching you, and from being with you."
-Jean Pierre Heussaff, MAET Summer Student Life Director, French Coordinator at the American School of Paris, France
-Jean Pierre Heussaff, MAET Summer Student Life Director, French Coordinator at the American School of Paris, France
"Rachelle was my student teacher for the whole school year for 2012-2013. She and I have remained close, and her Kindergarten class and my 4th grade class collaborated on many projects. Rachelle and I attended many professional development sessions together and are very active on Twitter sharing our experiences. Rachelle has great interpersonal skills. She is an amazing writer (both in print and online). Check out her classroom website or her blog for some examples. She establishes rich relationships with her students, parents, staff, and administrators. Rachelle is proactive with communication so her families feel safe, welcome, and encouraged to participate in school activities at all times. In addition, her calm, caring, and confident demeanor was very welcoming to our families (who come to our school from all over the world). I would say Rachelle's strongest attributes are her timeliness, her attention to detail, her love for learning, and her technology skills. Rachelle is not just on-time. She is always early. When she works on a task, you don't have to worry about checking it over. She has probably already done that many times and it is more than you would have expected.
Rachelle attends and presents at many professional development sessions. Even though this was her first year teaching, people know who she is at PD because she so frequently attends and freely shares her expertise and questions. She makes connections to other attendees and cultivates their relationships through Twitter. This, in turn, motivates her and her PLN to extend themselves to try new things. It's amazing to witness! As for Rachelle's technology skills, I would say she is a leader in this arena. Like I said, she presents at her district and statewide PD. However, I want to point out that Rachelle does not just use technology for the sake of using it. Instead, she is very purposeful with her choices and uses a backwards design model when choosing her tool. She is a great teacher without technology, but she shines when she uses it because her students are engaged and motivated by her creative lessons. I would absolutely hire Rachelle, if I could! Any district would be lucky to have her.
Rachelle isn't just a good teacher. She is a good person. She genuinely cares about everyone she encounters. Students feel safe and loved in her care. My own children ask about her all the time and miss her when she leaves. She's extremely professional and willing to help out anyone with questions. I would call Rachelle a natural teacher. And one of the best qualities about Rachelle is that she has a very balanced life. Though she loves teaching and puts her all into it, she also loves to run, exercise, read, spend quality time with her friends and family, travel the world, and she's a musician."
-Mary Wever, Director of Graduate Certificate Programs in Educational Technology and Online Teaching and Learning
Michigan State University College of Education, @WeverWorld
Rachelle attends and presents at many professional development sessions. Even though this was her first year teaching, people know who she is at PD because she so frequently attends and freely shares her expertise and questions. She makes connections to other attendees and cultivates their relationships through Twitter. This, in turn, motivates her and her PLN to extend themselves to try new things. It's amazing to witness! As for Rachelle's technology skills, I would say she is a leader in this arena. Like I said, she presents at her district and statewide PD. However, I want to point out that Rachelle does not just use technology for the sake of using it. Instead, she is very purposeful with her choices and uses a backwards design model when choosing her tool. She is a great teacher without technology, but she shines when she uses it because her students are engaged and motivated by her creative lessons. I would absolutely hire Rachelle, if I could! Any district would be lucky to have her.
Rachelle isn't just a good teacher. She is a good person. She genuinely cares about everyone she encounters. Students feel safe and loved in her care. My own children ask about her all the time and miss her when she leaves. She's extremely professional and willing to help out anyone with questions. I would call Rachelle a natural teacher. And one of the best qualities about Rachelle is that she has a very balanced life. Though she loves teaching and puts her all into it, she also loves to run, exercise, read, spend quality time with her friends and family, travel the world, and she's a musician."
-Mary Wever, Director of Graduate Certificate Programs in Educational Technology and Online Teaching and Learning
Michigan State University College of Education, @WeverWorld
"I've had the opportunity to work with Rachelle as both her instructor and her colleague. In 2014, I was her instructor for the first year of courses for her Master's degree in Educational Technology. Three years later, Rachelle and I taught one of those same courses together. Through these experiences, I've learned that Rachelle has a big heart, and is driven and dedicated. Rachelle always acts with kindness and caring for those around her. She also cares a great deal about putting forth her best in any task she undertakes. These qualities make working with Rachelle a joy!"
-Alison Keller, Michigan State University, Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) Certificate Program Adjunct Faculty
-Alison Keller, Michigan State University, Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) Certificate Program Adjunct Faculty
"Rachelle is the kind of person that you want on your team. She is not only an outstanding educator who goes above and beyond what is expected of her, she is positive and a joy to be around. In her short time here at Kamehameha Schools Hawaii, Rachelle has had a major impact on Technology Integration at our school. While her primary role is the Technology Teacher, Rachelle willingly works with other teachers to support them in their classrooms giving up her planning time to help others. In addition, she has started a Maker Club and her students were a hit at our annual Ho’olaule’a event. Rachelle doesn’t let living in one of the most isolated places on earth stop her learning. She’s a connected educator who uses social media to stay current in the Educational Technology field. It has been my pleasure to work with and learn from Rachelle."
-Ellen Cordeiro, Kamehameha Schools Hawai'i, IT Education Technology Services, @elliemellie
-Ellen Cordeiro, Kamehameha Schools Hawai'i, IT Education Technology Services, @elliemellie
"Rachelle has been a wonderful addition to our faculty at Kamehameha Schools Hawaii. She has implemented a number of new activities as our technology teacher that we are thrilled about including coding, design thinking, augmented reality, and global collaboration. She is engaging students in learning activities that are meaningful, exciting, and relevant. She displays a growth mindset and is an excellent collaborator, open to ideas and excited to share her own. In just a year, she has become an indispensable member of our team and a model for the meaningful use of technology in learning."
-Carmen Richardson, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, Instructional Technology Specialist, @edtechcarmen
-Carmen Richardson, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, Instructional Technology Specialist, @edtechcarmen
"Aloha aku, Aloha mai...give love and love will return! Rachelle truly embodies this Hawaiian 'olelo noe'au! I've had the pleasure of working with Rachelle when she joined our Kula Ha'aha'a ohana this year. From the moment she arrived on campus, she has graciously shared her techie skills with students and teachers alike...her beautiful, positive, "Hiki no" (can do) personality filled with aloha is a huge bonus too! Although knowing Rachelle for such a short time, I am honored & blessed to call her my colleague, my techie collaborator, and my friend! She is a gem!"
-Karyl Ah Hee, Kamehameha Schools Hawai'i Elementary School, Grade 5 teacher, @5Bfish
-Karyl Ah Hee, Kamehameha Schools Hawai'i Elementary School, Grade 5 teacher, @5Bfish
"Aloha mai kākou! In the words of our kūpuna, “Ma ka hana, ka ʻike” ~ “In working/doing, one learns.” Rachelle Galang exemplifies this Hawaiian proverb in many ways. Rachelle brings so much knowledge and skill and is always willing to share that with her colleagues. She is also willing to listen to the needs of our teachers and students to impact student achievement and success. I am honored to be working alongside her this year at Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Elementary. Rachelle leads by example. She is a role model for her colleagues as well as our students. She is very personable, willing to help whenever she can, provides guidance and direction in terms of technology integration and makes herself available to teach others. I appreciate having Rachelle to assist in an ever evolving technological world that our students will thrive in. It is with much aloha and with no reservations that I highly recommend Rachelle as she continues to learn and grow as a professional in the educational field. Ke aloha nui..."
-Waianuhea Paleka, Hope Poʻo Kumu (Vice Principal) , Kamehameha Schools Hawai’i Elementary School
-Waianuhea Paleka, Hope Poʻo Kumu (Vice Principal) , Kamehameha Schools Hawai’i Elementary School
"Vibrant, eager and intelligent, Rachelle is a true example of “ ʻike aku, ʻike mai” give knowledge, receive knowledge. I have had the privilege of working with this upbeat educator during her first year here at Kamehameha School Hawai`i as our Technology Kumu (Teacher). Rachelle brings a refreshing approach to her kuleana (responsibility) while working with students and colleagues. The haumāna (students) look forward to learning alongside Ms. Galang through her inspiring, fun and creative approach. We are fortunate to have Rachelle here at our school as she shares her `ike with us and continues her journey in learning. I mua!!!"
-Kaleo Kaleohano, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Elementary School, Grade 1 Teacher
-Kaleo Kaleohano, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Elementary School, Grade 1 Teacher
"Rachelle Galang is a welcomed new addition to our school. Her vivacious personality and rapport with our students is excellent. She communicates effectively and has a wide range of knowledge from music to technology. Her introduction of new programs such as Makers Club and “tech tool of the week” has made Rachelle a valuable member of our school family."
-Cynthia Debus, Kula Haʻahaʻa Music Teacher, Director Keiki Choir, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Elementary School
-Cynthia Debus, Kula Haʻahaʻa Music Teacher, Director Keiki Choir, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Elementary School
"In the Fall of 2014, Rachelle Galang joined our campus as an instructor of technology. She is the youngest member of our faculty but conducts herself in a professional and responsible way – far more mature then many young women of 25 years. Rachelle is a hard worker and pro-active. She started a Makerʻs club for 4th and 5th grade students and was forced to cap the numbers as there was so much interest. She has demonstrated a knack for looking at schedules and willingly assisted other teachers in developing schedules for special days. Along with all of this, she has embraced the Hawaiian culture and takes weekly Hula lessons after school. Technology is not my strong suit, so Rachelle is a great “go to” person for help. She never makes me feel incompetent and always assists in helping me with my problems. Her organizational skills are extraordinary. She shares technology tips and iPad Apps weekly for staff and works collaboratively with classroom teachers on project based learning. Rachelle is delightful, she is friendly, flexible and an asset to our campus."
-Tana Rosehill, Art Teacher, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Elementary School
-Tana Rosehill, Art Teacher, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Elementary School
"From the moment I first talked with Rachelle, I knew she would be a positive force on our campus. Her can do attitude and willingness to try new things is a blessing to our keiki. She makes decisions based on what is best for students and builds positive relationships with everyone."
-Liana Iaea Honda, Former Hope Poʻo Kumu (Vice Principal), Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Elementary School
-Liana Iaea Honda, Former Hope Poʻo Kumu (Vice Principal), Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Elementary School
"Ms. Galang was an outstanding kindergarten teacher--one who children flocked to with huge smiles and arms wide-open eagerly seeking a hug. She was kind, creative, dependable and collaborative. Often when visiting the classroom, students were engaged in some learning activity that involved new technology apps, video, the use of the interactive white board, and iPads. She constantly sought the latest and greatest in technology to enhance student learning. Ms. Galang rocked!!"
-Kristy Spann, Executive Director of Educational Services, Brandon School District
-Kristy Spann, Executive Director of Educational Services, Brandon School District
"As a volunteer in Miss Galang's classroom, I noticed many positive things: A learning environment where all were engaged, regardless of skill level, an ability to accommodate different learning styles and developmental levels, organization and smooth transitions from one activity to another. It was clear Miss Galang enjoyed the students and the feeling was mutual. My grandson wanted to know when he could go back to school! For a five year old boy, that's a wonderful indicator of a passionate and gifted teacher! Her management with the children is admirable for such a diverse collection of young people, and I could use her organizational skills at my house! She teaches with love and humor....what a powerful blend."
-Judy Standley, Classroom Volunteer, Jacob's Grandma
-Judy Standley, Classroom Volunteer, Jacob's Grandma
"My only son finished his kindergarten year in 2014. For both of us, this was a learning process. We were fortunate enough to have Ms. Galang guide us through the unknown. She was professional, personable and compassionate. She was very knowledgable and more than willing to work with me regarding anything that was best for my son. Her interaction with the children was impeccable and with that, encouraged my son to love reading and learning. We couldn't have asked for a better teacher, role model and mentor then the one we were blessed with at Oakwood Elementary. With fondest memories...."
-Misti Friend, Classroom Volunteer, Brenden's Mom
-Misti Friend, Classroom Volunteer, Brenden's Mom
"Rachelle was my daughter’s clarinet teacher for the school year of 2013-2014. She is an exceptional and gifted teacher and musician. Before Rachelle started helping Emily, Emily lacked confidence and talked about quitting band. Because of Rachelle’s talents and enthusiasm, she helped my daughter enjoy playing the clarinet again, and helped her get her confidence back. I would recommend Rachelle to anyone. She was a wonderful role model to my daughter."
-Elizabeth Kowal, Private Music Lessons Parent
-Elizabeth Kowal, Private Music Lessons Parent
"During the time I was Rachelle Galang's Michigan State University field instructor, she was working with fourth graders at East Lansing's Red Cedar Elementary School and experiencing her first full-time teaching job. Interns show tremendous growth during this critical final year of MSU teacher education, and Rachelle definitely did! I loved seeing her start her year by forming a warm and respectful rapport with her students, and increasingly use her knowledge of who they were as people and learners to design lessons, units, and whole instructional systems that caught their interest, met their challenge levels, and incorporated a range of purposeful technology. By the end of the year, Rachelle was leading her class in a standard-based, minds-on/hands-on investigation of economics that culminated in their organization of a "Book Bingo" event that was coordinated via Google Docs and involved the entire school community. Rachelle provided structure and leadership, but her students knew the ins and outs of the event and were the people who executed the event and analyzed its outcomes. Rachelle moved on to a kindergarten position the next year; when I saw her next, she told me that "kindergarten students can do everything fourth graders can do," -- of course, with Rachelle's adjustments for timing, reading readiness, and her students' perception of their worlds. Rachelle continues to develop her understanding of teaching and her leadership in the field, bringing her musicianship, her enthusiasm for new ideas, and her technological expertise into her classroom. I follow her on Twitter not just to see what she's up to, but to inspire my own teaching."
-Amanda Baumann, World Languages, French American Embassy School, New Delhi, India
-Amanda Baumann, World Languages, French American Embassy School, New Delhi, India