As an educator I want to foster life long learners. I create a safe environment that embraces mutual respect, collaboration, and diverse perspectives. I create positive and supportive relationships with students and parents to better support student growth. When students feel at ease learning is an enjoyable process in which problem solving, investigation, and deep analysis are the norms. I encourage a growth mindset, teaching students that failing and succeeding are equally necessary steps on the path to discovery and growth. I believe that when students engage more deeply in the learning process, they develop resilience and persistence which will guide them throughout their lives. Ultimately, I see my role as a mentor who facilitates students' development of critical analysis that allows for deeper synthesis of multiple, nuanced perspectives and historical empathy. I encourage each student  to follow an individual path toward understanding and mastery. I believe the key elements for a successful learning environment include:

 

• Clearly articulated standards and objectives

• Clear methods for assessment by both the student and teacher

• Sequential development and refinement of skills and knowledge

• Many opportunities to revisit a concept from varied perspectives

• Commitment to investigation and a willingness to risk 

• Development of common language to analyze and discuss ideas 

• Documentation of progress through multiple means

• Multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery through diverse assessments

• Clearly stated and practiced expectations for behavior, classroom routines, and lessons

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In each lesson, I state objectives and goals specifically defining a guiding question or purpose behind our investigation. I also define what skills or knowledge students will  be able to demonstrate after a lesson or unit. Once key concepts and or vocabulary are introduced,  I encourage the students to activate their prior knowledge to contribute to the discussions and learning process. Then l guide the students through varied activities, incrementally building skills and comprehension. Along the way, I provide written instructions, work production checklists, and rubrics. Additionally, I provide multiple opportunities for assessment and demonstration of progress toward proficiency.

 

I use UDL guidelines to provide multiple means of  engagement, representation and expression to accommodate the diverse abilities and cultural perspectives of my students.  In this way, I create supports that are appropriate, yet encourage growth. I consider a lesson successful when the students and I have deepened our understanding in a way that inspires continued investigation.

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