The Armstrong Anchor News

• I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment, (1) the teacher acting as a guide, (2) allowing the child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and (3) promoting respect for all things and all people.

• When the teacher's role is to guide, providing access to information rather than acting as the primary source of information, the students' search for knowledge is met as they learn to find answers to their questions. For students to construct knowledge, they need the opportunity to discover for themselves and practice skills in authentic situations. Providing students access to hands-on activities and allowing adequate time and space to use materials that reinforce the lesson being studied creates an opportunity for individual discovery and construction of knowledge to occur.

• Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to study things that are meaningful and relevant to one's life and interests. Developing a curriculum around student interests fosters intrinsic motivation and stimulates the passion to learn. One way to take learning in a direction relevant to student interest is to invite student dialogue about the lessons and units of study. Given the opportunity for input, students generate ideas and set goals that make for much richer activities than I could have created or imagined myself. When students have ownership in the curriculum, they are motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals.

• When the voice of each student is heard, an environment evolves where students feel free to express themselves. Helping students to develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others, and their environment occurs through an open sharing of ideas and a judicious approach to discipline. Class meetings are one way to encourage such dialogue. I believe children have greater respect for their teachers, their peers, and the lessons presented when they feel safe and sure of what is expected of them. In setting fair and consistent rules initially and stating the importance of every activity, students are shown respect for their presence and time. In turn they learn to respect themselves, others, and their environment.

12/3/07

I found an interesting article that describes in detail how I think Direct Instruction should play an important role in the classroom today, especially for those students who learn "outside the box".

Enjoy

     What I love so much about being a teacher is that my job doesn’t conflict with my family life.  I teach children all day, and then go home to my own three children and homework.  My husband and I have a divide and conquer tactic with our own children, 7^th grade, 4^th grade and 3^rd grade, and their homework, so teaching is just something I’m lucky enough to get to do most of the day! 

    I actually never wanted to be a teacher (gasp!). Yes I “said” that out loud.  My parents are both in the education field, and I always hated their dinnertime conversations in a “language” I didn’t understand.  It wasn’t until my oldest son started having difficulty in school, and was later diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD that I decided that maybe teaching was “in my blood”.  I certainly didn’t choose this profession for the money!  Now I can’t imagine doing anything else and can’t believe it took me so long to figure out what I was going to be when I “grew up”

     I received my BS from Middle Tennessee State University and the 08-09 school year will be my third year teaching at Riverside.