All

About Me!


EPI 003 Technology
Cohort 80
Aka. Barb DuPree

She is not a celebrity, she is not an inventor, she is not a
superhero, . Well maybe she will be one of those
individuals. She wants to be a teacher.

Today, we find out just who is
Barb DuPree.
Born in Melbourne, FL
September 26, 1970
I was born and raised in sunny Florida. I am a product of the Florida
Education System. From the east coast of Florida where I graduated high
school, attended the local community college; to the northern region of
Florida where I attended University of North Florida, finally traveling west to
the great University of Florida where I graduated in 1993. Go Gators! My
journey has brought me back south, middle Florida, to Hillsborough
Community College where I am pursuing a teaching certification. I want to
teach in my beautiful home state.
How did Barb decide
she wanted to be a
teacher?
I have always been involved in
the schools since my own
children started their
educational journey. I have
been a PTA president,
homeroom mom, school
office assistant, and military
school liaison, however, in
2007 I started substitute
teaching. I loved it.
I knew teachers worked hard, my jobs before
always allowed me to assist the teachers.
When I started taking long term substitute
teaching job, it was a real eye opener. I
saw the crazy amount of work they do to
provide the support for their wonderful
students.
ESE is the place for ME!
In 2002, my son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, a form of Autism. I did
not know, at that heartbreaking time, I would be meeting the most
amazing teachers and support staff. It has been a rocky journey, filled
with fear, anxiety, and disappointment. Every moment has been an
opportunity for learning. I meet teachers and staff who have made a
difference in my sons life. This is my way to pay it forward. My son
has also taught me to look at the world in a different way. He inspires
me. I want to inspire my students.
I have substitute taught at nine different elementary schools.
My most favorite grade in kindergarten. I think 5 year old
students are amazing. They are like little sponges. They need
patience and kindness. A kindergarten teacher might be their
very first teacher. How amazing is that? I have also enjoy 3
rd

and 4
th
grade. Those students show such independence and
thirst for knowledge. Learning is still exciting to them. I want
to be a part of that unique experience.

M
i
d
d
l
e

S
c
h
o
o
l

I worked with ESE students at the local middle school for
the pass 18 months. It was such a difference from the
elementary school students. The students in middle school
are dealing with 7 new classes, a larger campus to navigate,
and probably twice as many students as their previous
elementary school population. It is overwhelming. Then
there are the teenage hormones kicking in. Oh my
goodness, things can get crazy. They are still students who
do want to learn, I am learning how to help them.
Sometimes, you have to be covert on how you help
students because they dont need any help.
Barbara
Kranz-Dupree

Today, we did find out just who is.
Barb DuPree.
She is not Tina Fey, nor Dr. Temple Grandin, nor even
Wonder Woman, . She just wants to be a teacher.

1. She was born and raised in Florida, happy to be
studying to be a teacher in her home state.
2. She learned about being a teacher while substitute
teaching.
3. She wants to be an ESE teacher.
4. She loves elementary school.
5. She is currently working in middle school and learning
valuable lessons.


THANK YOU FOR
FINDING OUT
All About Me,
bARb DuPRee
THE
END