Experience Summary
I taught for twenty five years at the middle school level mostly in a self contained sixth grade classroom. In addition to teaching reading, English, math, science,and social studies, I taught electives is video filming and remedial reading.
In my experience as a teacher, I discovered that all students can learn if they are properly motivated. I found that I could best motivate a student if I found what they were interested in, and what grade level they were working at.
I also worked for five years as a substitute teacher.
Teaching Style
I believe in individualized teaching. In my sixth grade classroom, I individualized instruction wherever possible. In reading I tested my students and placed them in books at their reading level. I had them write reading summaries and corrected their first drafts. In sixth weeks, I retested and in most instances moved students to a higher level. In my math classes, I tested students and had them begin at the level that they needed to master. If a student could not add, I had him work on his addition skills. I moved students to the next skill level once they had mastered the level that they were working on.
Of course, I did group teaching in my classroom, but I individualized wherever possible.