I am an experienced Special Education teacher at all levels k-12. I have high school teaching experience in Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Math, and ACT prep.
I believe every child is an unique individual who needs a secure, caring, supportive, and stimulating environment to meet their needs both educationally and socially. To encourage students to reach their highest potential, the setting needs to be safe, encourages risk taking, stimulating, and constructive with reviews from teachers and peers. It is the teachers goal to motivate, challenge, support, accommodate, assess, provide feedback, and provide knowledge.
A class environment with various ways of presentation will facilitate learning. Students need hands-on activities with an adequate amount of time to process the information. Using auditory, visual, and tactile styles while teaching is imperative. By exposing them to multiple styles the student can use their personal and preferred learning mode while strengthening their areas of weaknesses. Practicing using different skills on a continuous basis will build independence, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
As a teacher, a basis for building a relationship with a student is understanding their needs and personalities, Being sensitive to their response to success and failure is important. I monitor each student's emotional and academic abilities on a daily basis to ensure their needs are met. Through modeling and social coaching, the classroom climate becomes accepting and encouraging. Observations and work samples let me assess progress quickly and accurately to provide constructive feedback. The student can then reflect on their performance and make the appropriate choices for growth.
Giving students opportunities for input promotes them to generate ideas and take ownership of their learning. When the voice of each student is heard, the student feels validated, recognized, and nurtures their curiosity to explore their interests. Promoting class participation and disclosure creates a supportive environment that highlights both their interests and understanding of the material. Lessons can be facilitated based on these ideas and thoughts, as well as monitoring individual accommodation needs.
Each student needs to value the educational and learning process as a life long goal. Students need to know what they are learning is valuable and applies to their goals and interests. Both the curriculum and social aspects need to be considered. By providing opportunities for team work, peer reviews, open class discussions, and various roles of responsibility, the student is given tools for independent success outside of the classroom.
I enjoy the individuality of each student, and find it rewarding and motivating to constantly find new ideas and methods to teach them. Different learning styles within the classroom create a challenging yet exciting task to handle. The richness of discovering these experiences has provided me with knowledge and sensitivity towards each student. Each student provides me with opportunities for continual learning and growth. I embrace each moment and truly love what I do.
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