Experience Summary
I am currently working as a full time History Teacher at the PACE Center for girls. I have also had the pleasure of substituting for the Lee County School District during the last half of this school year. Since I was fairly new to the area, I decided this would be the best way to become more familiar with the schools throughout the district. I also have experience working at the Southwest Florida Marine Institute as a business manager. I enjoyed interacting with the students there as well. This opportunity also allowed me to meet some wonderful administrators within the district. Although I enjoyed the Institute, I felt working more hands on with the students would better suit me. I have also worked with a few tutoring companies both locally and out of state. One in particular brought me closer with those living at Our Mother's Home in San Carlos Park (attend LAMP School) I love the challenge some of these students bring and take pride in their success. I also have experience working with youth in the foster care system teaching living skills courses.
Teaching Style
I believe that students of all levels learn from auditory, visual and hands on experience. Each has their own preference and more often than not, uses at least two types of this knowledge. Allowing students the access of these skills will only increase their ability to thrive. Each student will perform according to their own capability using all of these skills.
Students that I have viewed tend to also learn from each other in smaller groups with at least one student who excels. Smaller groups tend to bond, listen and retain the material given to them. I have personally participated in games which enhances each student. For example, using words to improve vocabulary in a bingo game or multiplication cards in which the first student in line to answer the question correctly wins or reading a book and asking students questions from that reading will ensure me that they understand the information given to them. All include some sort of reward according to the grade. I believe positive reinforcement is the best and promotes the best learning experience.
Students tend to learn from the way I address the material, with enthusiasm! I believe close proximity makes a huge difference. In order to maintain their own interest and enthusiasm, walking around the classroom, maintaining eye contact and asking questions of the material given will ensure their excitement and comprehension. Involving them and allowing them to contribute to the lesson not only keeps them enthralled, but engages those students who are more apprehensive.
In my opinion, students won’t become excited of any subject unless the teacher is! Read, view movies, do fun assignments, let them ask questions, and give them the opportunities to do things hands on so they can learn the material the best way they know how. Put them in groups so they can interact with each other. Give them options!
I tend to think that open discussions work best, of course depending on the grade. Introduce the new material, review, discuss openly as a class and allow for them to choose an assignment according to their abilities to prove they understand what was presented. Giving options and enthusiasm will promote their learning!