Learn about the Author – Christiane Salts
Bio
Christiane Salts was born in Bavaria Germany and at age six, immigrated to New York City with her family. Later, they moved to California, where Christiane graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in English Literature. She was an elementary school educator for 37 years before retiring to become a writer. She and her family have lived a few blocks from Knott’s for more than 30 years. Christiane is fascinated by exceptional people who have made a difference in the world with the way they live their lives.
Experience
In the education business for 37 years in 2nd through 7th grades, and also substituted in K through 12th grade. Served as a Mentor Teacher and supervised several student teachers and many observers. Conducted parent workshops and supervised parent volunteers. Presented aide inservices about principles of learning. Performed demonstration lessons. Developed learning games. Taught at John F Kennedy International School in Berlin, Germany for three years.
Teaching Style
Believe in hands-on, experience-based learning as a most effective tool for retention of material. Learning materials should be accessible and clearly labeled to facilitate student use and responsibility. Use close observation of student behavior and empathetic approach to build rapport with students. Monitor and adjust to student needs. Analyze critical attribute of concept in order to zero in on most important points to be retained and mastered. Practice persistence and deliberateness in reteaching and expecting mastery of hard-to-master learnings.
Honors/Awards
Survival Guide for Teaching Literature: Presenter at Orange County Reading Association in Anaheim, CA; California Teacher’s Association (CTA) Good Teaching Conference in Los Angeles; and Norwalk-La Mirada USD Curriculum Faire in Norwalk. Biographies and Beyond: Presenter at CA Council for Social Studies, Southern CA Teacher’s of English, and CTA Good Teaching Conference in Los Angeles; also at the Orange County Reading Association Conference in Anaheim, CA. Friend of Education for Anaheim Union High School District, 2005. Teacher of the Year for Dulles Elementary School, 2008. Meet-the-Masters Art Program coordinator, 2005-present. Graduate and Life Member, Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Society, 2001. Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, 2005. Lifetime Girl Scout Member and received Cliff Dochterman Award from the International Scouting Rotarians, 2010. President, Buena Park Rotary Club, 2010-11. Received Rotary International Distinguished Club Presidential Citation, 2011. Has served as Rotary Club President, Secretary, Executive Secretary, Newsletter Editor, Co-Chair of Citizen of the Year Luncheons and Teacher of the Year Luncheons. Received Rotary District 5320 Ethics in Leadership Award, 2012. Named Buena Park Rotarian of the Year, 2012-13.
Own Education History
AA in English – Santa Monica College, 1968; BA in English with minor in Elementary Education and Standard Teaching Credential, Life – Loyola Marymount University, 1970; MA in Counseling and Guidance, LMU, 1972; Pupil Personnel Services Credential, LMU, 1976; ECE Specialist Credential, LMU, 1977; CA School Administrative Credential, Preliminary, LMU, 1987. Served on Instructional Materials Evaluation Panel for English and Math textbooks, 1980-81.
Additional Bio Info:
I enjoy doing oral history interviews to grasp how people’s past experiences differ. Doing careful research helps me become a “history detective.” I am fascinated by the study of people and how they choose to make a difference in the world with the way they live their lives. I am active in the Buena Park Rotary Club, BP Woman’s Club, and Christ Community Church. As a Rotarian, I am passionate about the quest to eliminate polio from the face of the earth, and to support youth through literacy efforts and assist teens and young adults in gaining leadership opportunities. As a Woman’s Club member, I strive to recognize strong women leaders and keep their memory alive; to support youth, including homeless youth; and to help women learn to defend themselves through self-defense training sessions. At Christ Community Church, I have helped organize National Day of Prayer events and am serving as Spiritual Life Leader for the Women’s Ministries, 2013-15.