Experience Summary
For the last two years I have taught English to freshman and sophomore students at a F.O.C.U.S. high school in Charlotte, NC. I taught three classes/blocks of students, all according to the North Carolina State Curriculum. I made lesson plans that were interactive and fun. I developed bonds with my students, the way I wish I would've had when I was a teen in high school. I became the teacher I wished I had. I was their teacher, their counselor, and their role model. They came to me for almost anything, even if it was a band aide. I was laid off in March, because of budget cuts. Three of my students contacted me to tell me that they scored a high 3 out of 4 points on the state writing exam. My students were some of the worst behaved that I'd ever seen, and in the end the greatest thing I taught them was that someone cared and believed in them. Because of their rough resistance to learning, it only made the difference that much larger. They made me stronger as a person. I taught for two years so far, and it completely changed my life. My students changed my life.
Teaching Style
I follow the curriculum. First I go over the material that needs to be taught and I study it as if I were a student who didn't understand. Then, I create lesson plans that are interactive, fun, and modern. I do believe in older methods that work, for example grammar worksheets and journal writing every day to encourage practice. I'm a fun teacher, and that is what I believe kids need, especially today. Our youth is growing up in a generation of television screens at gas stations, ipods, cell phones with video cameras, myspace, facebook, etc. . . . Therefore it was my goal to find passion in their lives, first. For example Anthony Hicks didn't like English, but he loved playing football. I knew this was his motivation, so I focused on what he was good at as something to motivate him to get a good grade in my class. Anthony got an A, because of his hard work and determination. My teaching style is full of fun. My classroom was a place for kids to use their imagination and creativity, and express who they really are. I focus on connecting with the students, because without connection, no matter how smart I am, I will teach them nothing. Once I connect by getting them to believe in themselves then the possibilities are limitless.