Experience Summary
In Saint Louis University's college of Education and Public Service I learned to be a reflective practitioner who would always strive to provide a safe learning environment for students of all types of learning styles. I completed this course of education by student teaching at Affton High school in the English department. By teaching 5 sections of junior American Literature I matured into a teacher with a student-centered approach to teaching. As a student at Saint Louis University I also majored in English. I completed both literature and writing-based English courses-most of which were geared towards writing.
Teaching Style
When teaching a group of students I am most comfortable with collaborative learning. I believe that students learn most effectively with "hands on" activities. In the concentration area of English that includes group assignments, guided reading questions, student debates, and class discussions. At times a more direct lecture approach is necessary, but it must be supplemented by some sort of collaborative effort. Teachers should also hold the best interest of the student(s) at the front of their lesson planning. Students learn best when they feel safe and are engaged to learn in multiple ways.