Embedded Files
Who I Am
Who I Am
Hi all! I'm currently a junior here at Old Dominion University, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education. I work as a pre-school teacher assistant at the ODU Children's Learning and Research Center. I fell in love with my job and immediately knew teaching was my passion.
Fun Facts:
I was born and raised here in Norfolk, Virginia, but my Wild heart belongs out West. I plan to move after my chapter ends here!
My favorite color is baby blue
I love to travel (anywhere and everywhere)!
I have a 25lb cat, named Cuddles
Teacher Tip!
Last year, I started a "Smile File" -- a space to keep gifts, notes, crafts, etc from my students! Whenever I am feeling a little burnt out, I turn to my Smile File! It's a wonderful reminder to keep going and remember why I love teaching.
What I Know
What I Know
What can I teach my classmates that can help them become better teachers?
One word. Patience.
What can I teach my students that will help them become better people?
Kindness ALWAYS. I want to teach them to be kind, thoughtful, selfless humans. Kind to others, kind to themselves, kind to the Earth.
What do I know about the world that I can share with others?
I'm a strong believer in energy. What you put out, you will get in return.
What I Have to Learn
What I Have to Learn
In order to become an effective teacher, I need to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to reach and connect with each and every student of mine. I believe a child will learn best from you if they have a connection with you. I want to take the time to bond with my students, learn about them and their life (their family, their background, etc), honor them in the classroom, and make them feel special and appreciated. When they're so young, they may forget some of the things I teach them, but my end goal is for them to never forget how I made them feel.
The potential impact you can have on a child is all the motivation I need!
The Teacher I Will Become
The Teacher I Will Become
The kind of teacher that embodies kindness, love, and light
The kind of teacher that is trustworthy and nurturing
The kind of teacher that makes school a safe place
The kind of teacher that is a mediator
The kind of teacher that is open minded and inclusive
The kind of teacher that teaches empathy, patience, and resilience
Philosophy That Best Describes My Views on Teaching:
Existentialism
I believe my classroom is only a foot-in-the-door for my student's journey of life. While the academics I teach them are important, what is most valuable to me is the mental skills they adapted that they will carry on. Through my eyes, the purpose of school is not just taking tests to get by and pass; it is learning how to apply the things you learned and adapting them into your every day life in order to grow into the best version of yourself. I want to be a teacher that gives my students a voice, to teach them that they matter and that they are valid no matter what. I want my students to have an open mind and learn from each other and their experiences, as everybody's is different. My students will experience a classroom that is inviting, warm, inclusive and engaging. I will provide an education that is hands-on, explorative, and interactive, as well as student-centered.
Leave Feedback Below!
Leave Feedback Below!
You have a bright and fun page! I love your idea of the "File Smile"! It always makes me happy to look back on all the sweet reminders of the students. It can definitely help when we are having "one of those days!" - Dina Buczkowski
I loved reading through your page! It is super organized and the information is clear and readable. I also believe that kindness is extremely important. I love the idea of the Smile File and I will definitely have to do that once I have a class of my own! - Jlynn Padro
Hey Stephanie, I really enjoy all of your bitmojis and apples lol. I knew I had a passion for children when I started working a daycares and I seen you mentioned the potential impact a person can have on a child's life. This is also what pushed me to become a teacher to a younger group of students because I believe that whatever they learn or whatever they are influence by when they are little matters the absolute most. - Demya D.
Hi, Stephanie! That smile file is a great tip to have. Rereading those cards can suck all the frustration out of your day. Your page is so awesome. I especially love the bitmojis! - Serena DeSocio
Hi Stephanie! Your teacher tip is something I will definitely be using throughout my teaching career. Thank you. I love that you understand that teaching is not just about the academic information you need to put out but most importantly making sure the kids feel safe and cared for. I enjoyed the feeling you page gives off, the pictures and bitmojis.- Shonna Roberts
Hey! I love that your learning focus is building connections. Watching my mother with her students taught me the foundation of education is relationships. I have watched teachers struggle all year when they don't make this a priority. I think this is a good goal and excellent move to becoming an amazing teacher.
Hi Stephanie! Your page is so creative! I also love the quotes you have on your page! I agree that the foundation for education is the relationships that you have with your students. I have seen teachers that don't make this a priority, which happened to my child, but I have also seen teachers making it a priority and it makes a world of difference. My child's new teacher makes it a priority and she loves school now! My mom is a teacher and she makes it a priority and all of her former students visit to tell her all of the amazing things they are doing. Seeing that motivated me to make that a priority in my career of teaching. I hope you have a great semester!-Michelle Jamison
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