PHILOSOPHY

Building Relationships

I am interested in knowing my students’ interests, learning styles, and developmental needs. Knowing the interests of my students helps me to build positive relationships. It also helps me to design interesting and engaging student-centered lessons. Having an understanding of the different learning styles within my class aids me in choosing which student modalities I will focus on during instruction. Being aware of a student’s developmental needs such emotional, social, and behavioral as well as his current educational level are crucial to academic success. Without this knowledge, a differentiated approach is not possible.

Lesson Planning

When I begin to plan lessons there are three main things I consider. What do I want my students to learn, what learning activities will I use, and how will students demonstrate understanding? It is important to know the curriculum as well as the learning outcomes for the students. Learning activities need to be student-centered and engaging. Students’ current levels, prior knowledge and learning styles influence the direction of my lessons. I use strategic assessment before, during and after each lesson.

The four key components that must be included in every lesson plan are the anticipatory set, guided instruction, assessment, and differentiation. The anticipatory set is crucial to activate prior knowledge and schema, engage students in the lesson, and spark their excitement for learning. Guided instruction is important because it provides the opportunity for modeling, reciprocal feedback, and practice of the learning objectives. Well-planned assessments and evaluations are tools that should be mapped out within a lesson plan to guide and adjust instruction. Differentiation in the classroom is vital to student success. Every lesson plan should take into consideration the varied needs of all learners and have a plan to address those needs. Strong lesson planning is one of the keys to student achievement and success.

Differentiated Learning

Differentiation is the norm in my classroom. I have worked with students with a wide range skills and abilities, from high achieving students to students who had physical, educational and emotional concerns. Based on assessments I am able to differentiate learning and facilitate guided reading and math groups. Additionally, I make modifications and accommodations for many students, including those who have IEPs, for students who are being referred for academic evaluations, and any child who demonstrates a need for individualization.

Cooperative Learning

Cooperative learning structures coupled with a cooperative classroom community are also a daily part of our classroom. Through cooperative learning structures I model and reinforce positive behaviors in my students. Kagan teambuilding activities not only help to establish procedures that minimize off-task behaviors and maximize student involvement also will help to set a positive tone for our classroom community.

I want to ignite the same passion for learning that was ignited in me. Most importantly, I want to give back to my community and work to make a difference in the lives of young people. Helping children learn and achieve their goals is the most rewarding work I have done. I cannot image a more rewarding and satisfying career. I also enjoy the atmosphere of working with children in a learning environment; their curiosity and eagerness to learn is infectious. I love the the personal satisfaction of helping students to understand something new. I enjoy being a part of the greater school community in addition to the classroom.