I have over ten years teaching experience at the Elementary and Middle School Levels. Over the last ten years, I have worked in a team setting and particularly enjoyed collaborating with other educators to develop projects and hands on interactive lessons. Using the Backwards Design, we were able to create an entire integrated curriculum in social studies and ELA to meet the state standards and make learning fun. I am a firm believer in Project Based Learning and hands on activities. I believe that it’s essential that students take responsibility for their own learning. In a classroom where students actively solve real problems by asking questions, collaborating, and figuring out viable solutions, the students get to take the initiative in the learning process. By taking risks, learning from their own mistakes, and creating authentic projects, students learn how to think critically as well as learning content matter.
I believe in instilling a passion for lifetime learning into my students. One way I introduce this passion is by being a model lifetime learner for my students. For instance, in my classroom, you will hear me thinking aloud, interacting with the text during reading, and demonstrating inquiry by asking questions. I believe that every child can reach their learning potential, with high expectations, the necessary support and opportunities, and a nurturing classroom. I support this effort by greeting each child as he/she enters the classroom, so that each student feels welcome and believes that he/she is part of a learning community. I believe in teaching students with respect and in providing a fun, student-centered learning environment. I make sure that every child knows they are worthy, by listening to and caring for their needs. I work hard to create a classroom that celebrates achievement and progress. These efforts encourage the students to stay in school and learn. Weekly celebrations in the form of specific task praise, certificates, positive calls home, and group recognition are common in my classroom. By the end of the school year, each child will be celebrated for some contribution to the class or a skill they have developed. I am an experimentalist who continually seeks new ways to expand or improve society and my teaching. An experimentalist aids learners and consults with students while they are actively discovering and experiencing the world in which they live. Another main focus is on the development of values in our existing world. I constantly strive to make learning experiences authentic and applicable to the real world. For the realist, the world is as it is, and the job of schools is to teach students about the world. This form of philosophy is similar to the experimentalist view of the value of real world application. I want the students actively learning during the majority of class time. I do feel that a structured atmosphere is important part of education. We all need structure so we know what to expect in our day to day life. I do work hard to be a good role model for students. Children need good role models. We live in an ever-changing world. Teacher-student interaction centers on assisting students in their personal journey through learning. This philosophy goes hand-in-hand with the teacher as facilitator approach to teaching. It also embraces the idea that each student is an individual with his or her own special needs.
Skill Highlights: Smartboard Training & Curriculum Development SRA McGraw-Hill Open Court Reading Series Backwards Design 6 + 1 Writing Traits BB Classroom Management Skills Critical Thinking & Curriculum Develop PBIS-Character Education Development Program Professional Learning Communities (PLC's) Smart Goals Development & Design RTI Intervention Management Student Led Portfolios Leader Intel Teach to the Future Program Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher Agent of change for Technology across the curriculum
I Believe. . . Students All students can learn All students can succeed All students are special in their own way All students need structure All students need to know the expectations for learning and behavior All students should set their own goals and reflect on those goals I Believe . . . Teachers • Teachers should fully understand and know the subjects they teach • Teachers should be make learning active and engaging • Teachers should teach applying the principles of multiple intelligence’s • Teachers should set high expectations and objectives for their students • Teachers should strive to be the best positive role model • Teachers should constantly reflect on their teaching in order to improve I Believe. . . Learning Environments The classroom should be structured so students know what to expect everyday The classroom should be a safe and secure place for students to feel safe The classroom should be colorful and display student work for recognition In the classroom, students should be taught to respect other’s view points (tolerance) In the classroom everyone should treat each other with respect
Creator of Schooltime Heroes, a community service program to link school, students, and community members. We developed and hosted a variety of community service events such as the Hospice House Annual Walk-a-thon, Adopt a Dog Fair, St. Patrick’s Day Senior Spring Fling, Community Youth Center, and EAGLES’ Way Tech TV Program. Leader of a district-wide character education program while implementing new technology including video production & TV production for grades 5-8. Leader of a school wide creation and development of Student-Led Portfolios for Parent Teacher Conferences.
Pre-K, Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Adult Education, Staff
English Language Arts, Social Studies - History, Character Education