Teaching Tam

I have more than 23 years of experience teaching in the classroom, and each one of them has been about making connections with students and finding out what inspires them to learn. <br /><br /> Outside the classroom, I tutor students in 2nd -6th grade in reading, math, science and social studies, as well as run extra-curricular programs for STEAM projects. <br /><br /> In addition to teaching, I have written an Integrated Judaics/STEAM curriculum (grades 1-6) for the Columbus Torah Academy in Columbus, Ohio. This has been such a passion project for me and is what inspired me to open my Teachers Pay Teachers store! Now I'm working on an experiential learning program for a fitness and wellness studio.

I always tell my students that learning is a practice, not a perfect. Some things may come easily, other things may be challenging. <br /><br /> I believe an educator's purpose is to help each learner find his or her path. Everything we introduce to our classrooms should encourage each student to strive toward reaching goals, discovering ideas, applying knowledge, and bettering the world. <br /><br /> I follow what I call "teachable moments." I alter plans to fit the interests of the students and class, weaving curriculum standards into day-to-day events. This has allowed me to focus on creating practical applications for what my students are learning. I always ask myself, "How are my students going to use this knowledge now? How will they use it in the future?" In my classroom, no work is "busy work."<br /><br /> My love is experiential learning with my teaching philosophy and style rooted in Progressivism and Reconstructivism. I encourage students to try new things - to learn new things - and know that making mistakes is part of the process. Learning is a continual practice. We can always discover new things and improve on what we already know and have mastered. <br /><br /> “Each of us is unique. We have skills and talents that are possessed by no one else.” (Rabbi Eliezer Sneiderman)

My journey toward becoming a teacher began at Penn State University, where I graduated with honors with a B.S. in Elementary Education. I then went on to complete graduate studies in Organization, Planning and management of Education systems at the University of Reading - Reading UK. <br /><br /> Additional Education &amp; Training: <br /> ✓ PBIS: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports training <br /> ✓ Lucy Calkins Units of Study: Reading Curriculum <br /> ✓ Collins Writing Program <br /> ✓ Differentiated Instruction and Assessment training <br /> ✓ STEM Education training <br /> ✓ Daily 5 training <br />

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