Teacher Portfolio
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Teaching Philosophy
I believe that the best learning environment for students are ones that not only foster an environment where everyone in our community feels seen and respected, but also feel represented! In my classroom, ALL Students are in an inclusive environment where they can thrive and where ALL can access the material- even if that material needs to be altered through modifications or accommodations based on student needs.
I am always searching for new ways to engage my students, while also incorporating additional ways to include technology and other UDL practices. My goal is to create a community where students are accessing the information that they are learning in multiple and diverse ways through the unit.
It is extremely important to me to have a classroom environment where not only all students are seen but all students are represented in the curriculum -whether that be through the books we read, the books in the library or through the lessons that we learn. It is also important that students see diversity in other representation such as cultures and backgrounds. By incorporating racial and cultural diversity in the classroom, it is reducing racial bias along with fostering critical thinking skills.
All of these aspects will create a safe, fun, engaging and informative environment where all my students will feel seen and represented!
Differentiation
Individual Needs Met
My background in Special Education along with experience in adapting and modifying curriculum allows me to ensure that individual levels of interest, readiness , and diverse learning profiles are being met.
Five Senses
It is important to incorporate as many of the five senses as possible in my lessons to ensure that all of my students are getting the most out of their learning- whether it is through auditory, visual, kinesthetic senses, or tactile.
Group Work
Every lesson has time for students to think, pair up, and share their thoughts. Student groupings are based on a number of factors including groupings where student strengths and weaknesses can build off of eachother making the pairing even stronger! Groupings also occur with students that have similar learning styles to enhance collaboration.
Setting Goals & Reflection
It is important to me to ensure that students are part of their learning process. By having students provide goals for themselves allows them to have some control in their learning. It also gives them an opportunity to reflect on their learning and how they are doing, which is important in their educational journey.
Classroom Management
Student Established Expectations
I have found that classroom expectations are more effective when students are involved in the process of creating classroom expectations, rules, and procedures. By working together, it helps create a community that is full of mutual respect and understanding. These guidelines that are created will then live in the room- documented- as a reference for students to remind themselves what is expected and to hold themselves and their peers accountable.
Tangible Rewards
Motivation and positive-reinforcement are vital tools to ensure students are staying engaged and participating-especially in virtual settings. Students can earn money to then buy things such as a desk pet, stickers, and erasers. Points are earned by doing numerous things like going above and beyond by showing kindness and respect to others, completing homework the whole week, earning 100% on a test, or even receiving a compliment from another teacher.
Modeling Behavior
As a role model for my students, it is vital that I am modeling the ideal behavior that I am expecting to see in my students. Things such as polite language, allowing a space for thoughts to be shared in a respectful way, and providing eye contact to someone when they are speaking are setting up those positive and respectful expectations that are important in a learning community.
Communication
Not only is communication with students and colleagues vital to the success of my classroom, it is just as important to stay in contact with my student's adults! The special thing about this is that I find it is just as important to inform their adults about the positive things their student is doing just as much as it is important to let them know about concerns! Parent involvement is vital for student success.
