I love learning with my colleagues and my students.
I believe strongly in life long learning and want to share the gift of learning with everyone. I also consider teaching to be a rewarding experience; knowing I have a positive impact on the lives of our future generation. That is why I teach.
What does teaching mean to me?
As I reflect on my beliefs regarding teaching and learning, I find that what I consider most important is that my teaching:
- Remains child-centered and inquiry-based, in a way that sparks enthusiasm, curiosity and a love of learning
- Differentiated to meet all learners needs to ensure growth and success for all
- Follows predictable routines and children know and understand my expectations which builds independent learners
- Sets the foundations for students to become Life-Long Learners
What does effective learning mean to me?
The ablility to:
- reflect
- ask questions
- challenge
- THINK
- communicate
Do I have a teaching style?
I believe in a differentiated, inquiry-based, "Workshop" model of teaching. Reading Workshop, Writers Workshop, Guided Math, Guided Reading are what my classroom routines are based around. It is important to have as many experiential experiences as possible. This includes learning stations, games, and lots of opportunities for hands-on exploration. I like to use 'Visible Thinking Routines', 'Think-alouds' and 'Total Participation Techniques' to improve student's ability to think, learn from each other, collaborate, question, reflect, and actively participate. I am an advocate of Environmental Education, Project Based Learning and strongly value Outdoor Education. I also do not shy away from technology and believe that teaching needs to keep up with the times. I am always keeping my mind open and looking for ways to keep things fresh and trying new things. I love the Fine Arts too! We sing and dance, do drama, play music and do arts based projects where we can.
What do I expect from my students?
- I expect my students to respect all people, places and things. That they will be fair and kind to one another.
- I expect that my students will try their best to achieve academic excellence.
- I expect my students to practice balance in life by being involved in clubs, sports and many different activities to help them become well rounded global citizens.
- I expect my students to practice dedicated service by volunteering and donating to charities and participating in service learning.
- I expect my students to grow in their positive sense of self by being allowed to be who they are and encouraged to hone their talents and unique qualities and interests.
What can students expect from me?
Students can expect that I am a prepared, flexible and enthusiastic teacher. They can expect predictable routines and get as much support from me as they need and I can give (if I can't meet their needs I will seek out other professionals in the school and/or community to help). My classroom rules are fair and firm and create an atmosphere that promotes community, diversity, risk-taking and respect for all. I try to be a role model in the classroom and in the community by living by the standards I set for my students. You can find me being involved in school wide and community events and volunteering in different ways for the betterment of the school, community and the world.
What do I do to continue to improve?
Teaching can always be improved. I take advantage of professional development, remain abreast of and take advantage of technology and pedagogical advancements. I continue to study and take classes that expand the depth and breadth of knowledge in my teaching subject.
No comments:
Post a Comment