Experience Summary
I have been teaching for over twenty years, primarily Middle School Language Arts. I have also taught Head Start, fourth grade, third through eighth grade science, and kindergarten through eighth grade music.
I earned my Master’s degree in Classroom Education with an emphasis in MS Language Arts. Desiring to help as many students as possible, I continued taking classes toward a Reading Specialist’s degree. I was unable to complete the last class, a practicum course, because we moved out of state. I was a science major in undergrad, so can also teach elementary science and math up to and including algebra. I love working with students and seeing them succeed.
Teaching Style
I believe all students can learn and use my training and experience to adapt my teaching strategies to individual learning styles. Using student interests can help direct teaching that improves students’ enjoyment of learning. For instance, when teaching reading to boys I have found that they often like to read more factual reading material about sports, science, history, mechanics, etc. Student interests change as they get older and reading material needs to be age appropriate. Students thrive on positive re-enforcements, but the best motivation is personal success. Finding ways for students to feel needed and appreciated, helps to find learning more relevant and worthwhile.