omcfadden

I have been teaching high school Foreign Language for 12 years. In addition, I serve as a District Teacher Leader since 2018, providing coaching for beginner teachers and presenting professional development workshops at the building and district level. I have also been leading educational student tours to Europe.

I do my best to put students in the center of learning process, give them a more active role in the classroom. I am a huge proponent of differentiated instruction, and after working with the approach for years, found ways to balance tailoring the school work to students' needs and interests and fulfilling the curricular standards, without making it overwhelming for an educator. I incorporate educational technology on a regular basis, as when used correctly it can be of great benefit to both students and teachers. I am here to share my successful strategies with others.

I have received CTA Spotlight on Education award for outstanding service to education and impact on instructional practices for the use of differentiated instruction in the classroom, and NHS Class Student Appreciation award for dedication to teaching and inspiring students. I have been awarded exceptional achievement status during professional evaluations of my use of differentiation and assessment for learning. In 2019, I was selected District and then Regional Teacher of the Year, and have been one of the semi-finalists for Missouri Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020.

I have a K-12 certification in German, a Bachelor's in Linguistics and Pedagogics, and a Master's Degree in Educational Technology from Missouri State University.

I have grown up in Europe and bring in a different outlook on the educational system that I am currently a part of. No country has a perfect approach, but we can all learn from each other and incorporate the best elements for the benefit of our students.