Editor's Note: While Jane is no longer at Harris Elementary, her project and supporting materials are available on the site.

Meet Jane Krauss, teacher...

"I started teaching in the early 1980's, as a special education teacher. Commodore 64s and Apple computers were just being introduced in schools, and I learned to program in Basic."
--Jane Krauss from her Technology Odyssey

Jane has taught for fourteen years in several Oregon schools. She spent her first ten years in special education. In the fall of 1998 she began her fifth year in a 4th/5th grade blend at Harris. She is quick to credit a supportive teaching team and the school-wide shift to project learning as very meaningful to her professional development. She finds the unknowns of open-ended projects as engaging for her as they are for her students. At the same time, she artfully supports her students' need for structure, describing it as developing "planful" students.

"Planning a student-centered project is like planning a voyage across uncharted seas. You have a destination in mind, but not knowing your route you build a trusty ship, and, bringing all your seamanship to bear, get wind in your sails and set off. It helps to have a clear picture of your destination so you'll recognize it when you see it!" --Jane from Project Learning

Her interest in science and the natural environment has led to several years of salmon-rearing projects in her classroom. She has written and received a small grant to support special refrigeration and other equipment to control the environment of the small salmon fry.

Technology Use
Jane describes herself as a "functional" technology user, undoubtedly a relative term. Her gift with guiding students is evident in her organization of Internet-based research projects. She favors structured Web pages that feature selected sites to help her younger students find their way, and stay focused on the task.