Kristie

I am currently in an inclusive based preschool where I have 18 students; 9 without a learning disability and 9 students with a learning disability ranging from Autism, cognitive delays, to behaviors. Working in an integrated classroom has allowed me to use a variety of teaching styles to make sure I am reaching out as much as possible to all of the different learners in my classroom. Within my classroom I have a young individual who is deaf, so I have learned to use basic sign language to communicate with this student when the teacher of the deaf isn't avaliable in the room. To benefit him and all of the students I use tons of visuals and expressions to make the lessons more understanding and appealing for the students. Being a teacher of an inclusive based classroom has allowed me to open up as an educator and learn new ways of teaching to all ranges of learners. Being able to see progress in children, whether they have a learning disability or not, it is the most rewarding feeling an educator can have and every day I work to get that "ah-ha" feeling when a student is learning. I never give up on a student, as I will work very hard to learn more about them, their style of learning and their ability within the classroom. I have also sat down with parents to get their input on their students learning abilities, any of their concerns and how we can both help their child flourish in and out of the classroom.

When teaching, I use visuals, lots of oral language and hands on/interactive lessons. I have also used my ipad during a lesson to show a learning video, song, or anything related to the lesson that will help the students understand what we are learning. Also, when I am doing my centers I am able to level activities for students who need more advanced learning or easier activities for those who need more help. All of my students always have the same activity, no matter what their learning abilities are and I do this so no one students is "standing out" as someone who needs extra help.

Trainings/Awards: Touchpoints Training, February 2012 Children and Youth Learning Initiative, 2009 Cambridge Who’s Who Honored Member, 2009 Alfies Student Contribution Award Winner, 2009 Child Abuse Identification and Reporting/Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Seminars, AU, 2006 Deans List, 2008-2010

Alfred University, Alfred NY Undergraduate Major: Early Childhoold/Childhood Education Graduate School Major: Literacy Education Teaching Experience in: Pre-School, Kindergarten, 3rd, 5th and 6th Grade. Literacy grades K-6

I am very passionate about what I do, and when it comes to teaching, I've learned more about myself as an educator and how to better my teaching for my students. I love to share my ideas and gain more knowledge and ideas from others!