Katherine Snyder

Professional Portfolio

Masters of Education in Instructional Technology

Philosophy Statement

Every classroom is its own unique community and as an educator of young children, I strive to be a model of open-mindedness, maintain a positive attitude, and create consistency and equity amongst all students. My role as a teacher is to support each child in literacy- rich differentiated instruction that meets the needs of each child where they are at and challenges them enough to continue moving learning forward. I believe that respectful, caring bonds with children and their families are the vital foundation for a wonderful kindergarten experience. Through multiple modes of communication and opportunities to be a partner in teaching with parents, their support and engagement are embraced and always appreciated. I will present the curriculum by offering hands-on opportunities, cooperative learning, and utilize a problem-solving approach, while adhering to the learning standards. I believe meaningful learning takes place in a safe environment filled with fun, routine, laughter, and a little messiness. I am committed to continuing my own learning as an educator and hopefully instill a lifelong love of learning for all of my students.

Philosophy of Teaching Statement.m4a

Employment

In 2018, I landed my dream job! East Penn School district rolled out it's full-day kindergarten program and there were 13 open contracts available. After several rounds of interviews, I am proud to call EPSD my home in many ways because I also live and have children in the district as well. While that may present some challenges when out shopping locally or gathering with co-workers who may also be my children's teachers', I wouldn't have it any other way! Teaching young children has always been my passion and kindergarten is an amazing age where so much learning and growth is achieved. Prior to EPSD, I taught at Head Start for Community Services for Children located in Allentown, PA. I had several classrooms throughout the Lehigh Valley from 2006-2018 and this is where my passion for community and families partnering with classroom learning originated. I believe it was my connections made there that helped make me the compassionate, diverse, and dedicated teacher that I am today.

Education

While working at Head Start, I was chosen to be part of a Cohort group awarded scholarships through the Women's Leadership Initiative funded by the United Way and earned my Bachelors in Early Education. I am so grateful to have met so many amazing and successful women at a time in my life when I found myself a single mother of three young children. I graduated East Stroudsburg in 2011 and knew I wanted to continue my education. I began my Master's in Instructional Technology at Kutztown University as soon as I secured employment at East Penn School District and am thankful once again that the coursework was paid for. While my coursework was all online and I had very little opportunity to visit the campus, my fellow classmates and professors have been an amazing support throughout my journey there.

Whatever we learn has a purpose and whatever we do affects everything and everyone else, if even in the tiniest way. Why, when a housefly flaps his wings, a breeze goes round the world; when a speck of dust falls to the ground, the entire planet weighs a little more; and when you stamp your foot, the earth moves slightly off its course. Whenever you laugh, gladness spreads like the ripples in the pond; and whenever you're sad, no one anywhere can be really happy. And it's much the same thing with knowledge, for whenever you learn something new, the whole world becomes that much richer. Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth

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