我的目标作为一个识字教育是每个student leaves my class better equipped to read, write, and contribute to society than when they arrived. My teaching philosophy mirrors those goals. A recent New York Times article interviewed an educator who claims that there are three additional “R”s on which we should focus: “…relationships, reflection, and resilience”. I endeavor to weave these ideas into my procedures and instructional methods. I have been teaching for eight years. Through the years of teaching I have taught English to every grade from seventh through twelve, high school Spanish, elementary summer school, GED, adult basic education, and university composition. Each teaching assignment and new population has taught me new things about great teaching. At this point, I am an instructional chameleon, changing my methods according to the needs of the students I am teaching.

Many of my students arrived in my ninth grade English class reading at elementary school levels. As a result, I began to use a variety of instructional methods specifically designed to assist struggling readers, including intense vocabulary intervention, close reading and annotating difficult text, as well as graphic organizers to prepare for oral and written textual analysis.

A first session is a "get to know you" and a "get to know the material" session. Depending on the subject, I'd like to start by engaging in a conversation with the student, asking how he or she feels about the subject and what he or she wants from this session and future sessions. Then I'd like to do a subject-specific age appropriate activity that will help me gauge the level of the student without feeling like a test.

I believe in the gradual release of responsibility. First, I do it. Then I do it with your help. Then, you do it with my help. Then you do it. My goal is to become completely unnecessary.

这取决于年龄of the student. For younger students, I tend to bring them stickers or small things. I tell them if we do this, you can earn a game or a fun activity. For teenagers, it depends on the teenager. I let a class teach me how to do the "nae nae" once. For adults, I am a fountain of positivity, offering praise and showing them their progress. Often, grownups need to see where they've grown to want to continue working.

I tend to do it a different way. For math, if you can't draw the picture, then I may find a household manipulative. We may talk conceptual or procedural. Whatever way helps you learn it is the way I plan on teaching it.

At this point in my career I have taught hundreds of students from different age groups and different subjects from all around the country and the world. It varies from student to student and educational situation to situation.

I tend to informally check for understanding throughout the session. Although I am not a fan of standardized tests, if we are preparing for a standardized test, then it helps students to see those style questions, so we practice test, often. My goal is to provide students with what they need to meet their goals.

I tend to notice the right answers just as often or more often as the wrong ones. Also, I believe in normalizing error. I view mistakes as an important part of the learning process. I believe that a wrong answer highlights an opportunity for growth.

I listen. Often, students (especially older students) know what they need and will tell you. If they don't know, I try a few different methods until one works.

At this point, I am an instructional chameleon, changing my methods according to the needs of the students I am teaching. I have been teaching for eight years. Through the years of teaching I have taught English to every grade from seventh through twelve, high school Spanish, elementary summer school, GED, adult basic education, and university composition. Each teaching assignment and new population has taught me new things about great teaching. You'd have to be more specific about what the student needs, and I'd be happy to tell you about what adaptations I would make.

I love a white board and colored markers. Research says that people remember things better in color. I have been known to use art supplies. I love colored index cards as well.