Inspiration

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I became a teacher to help students achieve and grow as learners just as much as I did in my educational career.  I was fortunate enough to be able to attend an excellent school district, Okemos Public Schools, for my K-12 learning career.  I was able to see what an impact dedicated, hard-working educators can make on a child’s path of life.   One teacher in particular, my freshman Literature and Composition teacher, encouraged me and pushed me to be a better writer and overall learner.  She taught me that writing was a process, one in which to edit, revise, and reflect on.  She did not just let me settle for what I considered to be “good enough”, she taught me to take pride in my projects and assignments.  From the day I decided to go into education, my goal as a teacher has been to encourage and push students to be the best they can be.

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The “6th E”

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When I completed my undergraduate degree eight years ago, I thought I was equipped with all the tools and techniques to have my own classroom and teach my own students effectively.  After all, we learned how to create lesson plans using a format following the 5E lesson-engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate.  Now that I am knee deep in my teaching career, I would advocate to create a "6E" lesson/unit format, with the final E standing for experience.  To me, education should be an experience, with activities, events, and celebrations in every learning opportunity.  In addition, I am a firm believer of showing the importance of lifelong learning in the classroom, but this does not come with simply teaching students to memorize facts, and copy definitions.  To view a sampling of activities and experiences I incorporate into my classroom, click here.

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Teach in the Moment

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When I create lesson plans, I hesitate to write them in pen, as I believe in taking advantage of every teachable moment, which may have us veering off the topic at hand-and that is OK!  We are not just molding students into readers or writers, but into thinkers, doers, and creators as well.  Providing students with the opportunity to take part in activities, projects, and events that require them to apply their understanding makes their learning of the content that much more valuable.  By guiding students to see the "why" in learning and participating in classroom discussions, I hope to instill a lifelong love of learning into each student. 

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Never Say Never

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I also believe and teach to my students that learning is a process.  It is OK to not understand something the first time, there are many different learning styles and ways to get to the same answer, or interpret a reading passage.  What I don't believe in is students saying "I can't", I hope to teach students to learn strategies to help themselves and not give up in the process of learning.  In my classroom specifically, with every grade all in the same room, we have many opportunities for students to help each other, and learning how to ask what you specifically do not understand or need help with is such an important part of the learning process.  In addition, I am a firm believer that the best way to demonstrate true understanding is the ability to teach it to someone else.

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Lasting Impression

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Overall, I teach for the impact I hope to leave on my students.  By incorporating experiences, projects, events, and celebrations in my classroom, I hope to prepare students for their future, and provide them with the tools and strategies to succeed no matter where life takes them.

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Thank you for your interest in my story. For a PDF view, click here.