Teaching Philosophy
All children are unique and deserve a unique education tailored for them. I love to provide hands-on experiences to allow students to develop and construct their own knowledge. Scaffolding and providing differentiated support for each child is critical for learning. The classroom should feel like a second home, a place where students feel safe to take risks, and a place to nurture their growth mentally, emotionally, and socially.
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As a teacher, it is incredibly important to me to ensure that each and every one of my students feels supported and empowered in the classroom. Understanding and celebrating all of our differences helps my students develop into the best versions of themselves. Developing authentic relationships with each student is crucial to understanding what their specific strengths, interests, and needs are in order to provide appropriate instruction for all. I look forward to creating innovative, technology rich lessons to encourage students to reach their highest learning potential.
Positive Classroom Culture
My goal is for my classroom to be an environment that students want to be in, not one they are forced to be in. Maintaining a calm, nurturing, positive, "family-feel" in my classroom is a must. Students must be taught to respect their peers and elders, persevere through difficult tasks, and feel safe to make mistakes. I teach and encourage my students to have a Growth Mindset beginning on the first day of school. Utilizing a student developed classroom norm contract, morning meetings (including self-affirming cheers and of course, songs) to begin each day on a positive note, and student-led character counts shout-outs are just a few ways I foster a positive classroom culture.
Classroom Management
My students are held to high expectations and are also held accountable for their actions. I believe that classroom routines and procedures are crucial for students' day to day success. My beliefs are based on restorative practices where mistakes are seen as opportunities for students to learn and grow. Positive reinforcement is the driver of desirable behavior for my students. My students are intrinsically motivated to act as role models in the classroom. I have created and implemented a “mindfulness room” on campus where students went when they had trouble in class. This room contained sensory tools, calming music, an art corner, and meditation practice to teach students strategies to bring them back to a positive mindset. I have also implemented a “calm down corner” in my classroom. As a member of the PBIS team, I am a strong believer of maintaining fidelity with this program both on campus and in my classroom. Students are often reminded of the their expected behaviors in all areas on campus. When conflict arises, my students are taught how to work through their problems using "I-Statements". For example, I feel __, when __, because __. This teaches students how to express their feelings and talk to one another in a respectful, kind manner to maintain our positive class community.
