Experience Summary
Since receiving my Elementary Education Degree fifteen years ago, I have had the opportunity to experience the many different aspects the teaching profession offers. Prior to relocating to Florida I taught for 4 years in Pennsylvania and this is my eleventh year with Pinellas County Schools. I presently teach 5th grade at San Jose Elementary in Dunedin and am currently seeking my Masters Degree through USF.
I have tutored both children as well as adults, 10 out of the 15 years of my teaching career. I constantly strive to stay current with the newest educational trends through extensive reading, exploring new technologies, and through our nation’s multi-media. I also expand my knowledge by attending and/or participating in the different county-level courses that are offered to teachers throughout the school year. I’m a staunch believer in learning all that I can in order to better educate the children I teach.
Teaching Style
Having taught for the past 15 years has enabled me to hone my teaching style, which is mainly an instructor-centered approach. I believe students need to have a focus to be successful learners. It is the teacher who guides the student to have a focus. To focus a student to a particular task, skill, or strategy the teacher needs to fully explain the task, skill, or strategy. Students don’t retain much information when they are told; they need scaffolds and supports to process information. As teachers we need to...” ask ourselves whether we are explaining or telling.” Students need to be aware of the thinking process of the teacher whom demonstrates and models what is expected (skills and processes) and then acts as a coach or guide to assist the students in applying the knowledge. This style encourages student participation and utilizes various learning styles