Introduction

I had the privilege of studying abroad in Rome, Italy from May 9 until June 9, 2012. In addition to teaching at Marymount International School in Rome, we visited Florence, Venice, and Elba on the weekends. With each passing week, I learned so much about my kids, the culture, and myself. This blog allows me to share my experiences and growth, not only as a future teacher, but an individual as well.

About Me...

The Elementary Education Program has prepared me for licensure in preschool/kindergarten-6th grade. It is a 5-year Master of Arts in teaching program. As an undergraduate student, I majored in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies (IDLS) and minored in Elementary Education (ELED). IDLS has given me the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects, while focusing mainly on humanities and social sciences. The Elementary Education courses have equipped me with the necessary tools and skills needed to be a well rounded elementary school teacher.

I have had the opportunity to work in a kindergarten and fourth grade classroom for my two practicums. These very different experiences have provided me with the chance to work with children as well as their families. Every new opportunity to work with children adds to my professional growth and development as a future teacher. I believe learning and bettering myself as a teacher comes from being fully immersed in a classroom or children centered environment.

Spring semester of my senior year, nearing my departure into the real world, I looked back on my career in education and realized I was never offered a course in classroom management. I signed up for an elective offered through the Exceptional Education Department called Classroom Management and Professional Collaboration, one of the best decisions I made in my college career. This course focused on techniques used to manage the behavior of students. In addition to managing children’s behavior, I learned how to actively create a learning environment that fosters safety and emotional well being, positive social interactions, and diversity.

I am confident and eager to put the skills acquired at James Madison University to use.  

Teaching Philosophy

Progressivism most accurately reflects my views on education. I believe the curriculum should be altered based on the needs and desires of the students. Students learn best through experience, rather than lecture. Teachers should give the students activities and lessons which have meaning to their lives outside the classroom. Education should focus on the whole child, bettering the children to become intelligent problem solvers. While it is difficult to develop the curriculum around students’ interests and questions, since such a heavy emphasis is placed on testing, children are more interested in a topic when it becomes relatable. 

Personal and Professional Goals

1. Gain additional confidence and added knowledge: This will prepare me to go out into the real world and become the best elementary school teacher I can be. Seeing a new and fresh perspective on teaching will give me additional tools to put in my “teacher toolbox.”                        
2. Balance mentor, rule enforcer, and friend: A teacher is much more than just a teacher. We are there to provide direction, support, and encouragement. We are there to enforce rules and teach right from wrong. We are there to help students work through their personal problems. Balancing all three aspects can be a difficult task and with every new experience I hope to get a little better doing so.                                                                                                            
3. Fully immerse myself in the Italian culture: Being a cultured teacher will allow me to better understand diversity in my future classroom. I hope to learn how to highlight diversity while still making all of my students comfortable.