Having thoroughly enjoyed being an educator over the past 13 years, I have developed many skills that support a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Discovering new and interesting ways to impart my knowledge to my students allows a fresh perspective on our ever-changing world while fostering a curiosity about the Earth’s past, present, and potential future.
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Growth as a mindset |
How I found my calling as a teacher |
Building rapport and providing opportunities to engage students are the foundations of my teaching style. I strive to be creative to include all modalities of learning, guiding my students through activities designed for relevant learning experiences.
By incorporating intentional strategies to support the literacy of all my students, they have consistently demonstrated success in Earth Science. Throughout my career I have educated many English Language Learners, at-risk students, general, honors and gifted students. My extensive experience working in challenging environments has molded my confidence and ability to excel in any learning environment. I have participated in multiple trainings and professional development opportunities designed to meet the needs of diverse learners. Embracing and incorporating new skills into my virtual classroom this past year has expanded my professional development, facilitated my growth as an educator, and has influenced creative ways to reach my students in a digital, yet personal manner. |
My Mother, both of my grandmothers, and 3 of my aunts were teachers. Being a 5th generation teacher, I believe that teaching for me is both genetic and a learned behavior. My undergraduate degree is in Human Services Counseling; 8 years after graduating I wondered if teaching might be a good fit for my skills, values, personal mission, and career goals.
Serendipitously, my path crossed with a high school friend in the fall of 2007. She told me about the Career-Switcher Program through Old Dominion University as an alternate route to become a teacher. Returning to my alma mater, I met with the Dean to discuss my options. He was excited that I had enough prerequisites to become an Earth Science teacher and even gave me book to help me study for the Praxis test. Just 9 months later, I was hired as an Earth Science teacher in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Before entering the classroom, I had tried to find my niche in the outdoor recreation industry, real estate, holiday decorating, landscape design, and even office management. It wasn’t until I began working at a therapeutic wilderness and residential school for teenagers in crisis that I experienced any fulfillment at the workplace. Although my position at the wilderness school offered some informal teaching experience, I realized helping teenagers learn and grow is one of my greatest passions. I do want to make a difference in my students’ lives. I want to make a positive impression on my school and community. I want the personal satisfaction that what I do matters in this world. Being an educator aligns with my core values of service, connection, and purpose. Each day I strive to show up as the best version of myself. Some days are certainly more challenging, but I believe that my commitment as a teacher has facilitated both my students’ and my own personal growth in countless ways. |
1. Technology SMART goal: I will learn to use and implement 1 new technology based learning tool in my classroom each month beginning in December 2021 and continuing through June 2022. The new learning tools will include: Formative, Edpuzzle, Flipgrid, Spark, Padlet, Canva, and Quizizz.
2. Professional Development SMART goal: I will attend a total of 10 edWebinars offered through edWeb.net and earn Continuing Education certificates for each edWebinar attended by August of 2022.
3. Professional Learning Community Collaboration SMART goal: By August of 2022, I will create and share Canvas question banks to include at least 40 test questions for each of the 12 Virginia Earth Science Standards of Learning.
4. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) SMART goal: By June of 2022, I will develop and execute a weekly 15-minute lesson for SEL in my classroom and provide opportunities for student discussions and feedback.
5. Learning and Continuing Education SMART goal: By November of 2022, I will successfully complete all program requirements to earn my master's degree through Walden University.
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The Importance of SMART Goals
To grow as an educator, one must continuously reflect upon their strengths and recognize areas for improvement. SMART goals are an excellent way to facilitate professional growth. With the field of education growing at unprecedented rate to incorporate technology, more opportunities are available in lesson development, instructional strategies, evaluating data, and communicating with all stakeholders. Teachers today must also consider the social and emotional welfare of their students, create healthy and safe learning environments, and advocate for equity. The modern educator exhibits a professional disposition, participates in learning communities, and is committed to student learning and academic growth. |