Experience Summary
I have been an educator for 13 years. I was a special education teacher for 11 years and then I was an elementary guidance counselor for 2 years. I spent 5 years teaching high special education classes which included teaching many differnt subject areas. I have had a vast range of experience in all subject areas: English, math, history, and science. I was an inclusion teacher for 4 years in 7th and 8th grade classes. Also, I taught a learning strategies class for 2 years. Since I was an inclusion teacher for 4 years I have worked with 12 different teachers. I had to learn how to get along with different personalities, work around different teaching and learning styles of my students and teachers. Each year I was responsible for keeping my 25+ students passing all core subject areas and making sure they were behaving appropriately. In addition, I was a hospital homebound teacher for year and also tutored students in my neighborhood.
Teaching Style
I have always provided a positive learning-centered environment in my classroom by just being myself and being honest with my students. I have an open door policy that meant I was always available to provide support and help to students when they needed it, but at the same time I think I provided an even balance with my expectations of them. The type of teacher and person that I am reflects directly into my teaching style. I always bring real life situations into the classroom. Aside from just the text material, I always try to get my students to look outside the box from all angles. I really want them to be prepared for any situation that may arise. I feel they really need to be prepared for what the real world is going to throw at them. I have always tried to use a variety of different methods to help my students learn in the classroom.