Mrs. McFeely

Although my junior high yearbook predicted that I would become a teacher, my childhood dream was to be a writer. In a way, as a writing teacher, I have become both. 

I graduated from Penn State University with an undergraduate degree in Journalism. I have worked with elementary students for many years – first as a parent volunteer, then a reading instructional aide, and, for over 20 years, as a sixth-grade teacher.  I received my teaching credentials from ASU West and returned there to work on my Master’s degree in Educational Technology. I love children’s literature and teaching children how to communicate effectively.     

I believe that teachers are the professional learners and students are the amateurs.  As a teacher, I didn’t stop learning when I started teaching; I continue to learn throughout my life.  One of my goals as a teacher is to prepare children to be lifelong self-regulated learners.  I want to teach them to constantly search for knowledge; to always try to improve themselves.

Proper integration of technology into curriculum allows the students to take control of their own learning and individualize the instruction to their own needs. I believe that by allowing students to use technology in creative and critical thinking ways, they will come to recognize the media as a way to increase their own knowledge base.  They will realize that they can be in charge of their own learning. Children differ in so many ways, and our sixth-grade team tries to take those individual differences into account when teaching. 

I use a positive approach to management.  I believe children want to learn and behave well in school.  I will reinforce that desire by allowing them to create their own classroom rules and set themselves up to be successful.  If behavior problems do occur, I will work with both you and your child to resolve the difficulty.

I also consider it of prime importance that you be an active part of your child’s education.  You are invited to phone me, email me, or visit the school any time you have a question about your child’s progress.  Keep informed of what we are studying, homework assignments, as well as upcoming events by checking out our webpage. If you have expertise in a specific field, an unusual hobby, or a culture that you would like to share, please let me know.  I would be happy to visit with you about the possibility of your sharing with the class.