Introduction
Welcome to Mr. Winsor's Classroom. In science class this year I will be using a pedagogy called "modeling instruction." A pedagogy is most commonly understood as the approach to teaching. It is the theory and practice of learning, and how this process influences, and is influenced by, the social, political and psychological development of learners. Ultimately, the goal is to take a learner from their existing knowledge to new understandings of the world around them and at the same time remove misconceptions. Inquiry will be at the forefront. I will continuously pose questions to your student. You may often hear "Mr. Winsor always answers my question with another question." This is intentional. When answers are given thinking stops. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding using evidence as the justification of understanding. There are always more questions to be answered. Often times our high achieving students become most frustrated by this line of questioning. They have always been given answers that they are easily able to regurgitate. I will stretch your child's thinking and push them in a manner that will be transferrable into all aspects of their lives even outside of the science classroom.
About me
I'm excited to be in Saranac as a teacher. This will be the start of my 20th year as a teacher. In 2006 I graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science in Education. My emphasis is in Secondary Education with endorsements in Earth/Space Science and Biology. After graduation, I spent one-year teaching 7th - 12th-grade students at Bear Lake Schools (near Traverse City), and then three years teaching 9th - 12th graders at Ionia High School. From 2010 to 2021 I was a high school and middle school teacher at Fulton Schools. During my time as a teacher, I also completed a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership (Principalship) at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids. I have also been a coach for much of my post-high school life. I have coached varsity track, freshman football, and varsity wrestling. In more recent years I have coached the Saranac Youth Wrestling program and Saranac Varsity team. I believe that athletics (along with many other extra-curricular activities) prepares young people for success by instilling a structured atmosphere, and a life-long appreciation of hard work and perseverance. As students, I challenge you to find an extracurricular activity that you can build friendships, a work ethic, along with a plethora of other beneficial characteristics.
I also enjoy a variety of activities outside of school including hunting, fishing, and time with my family. I enjoy being on the water so much that a few years ago I started the Michigan High School Steelhead Tournament for students in grades 7-12. The tournament is open to students throughout the state of Michigan. Competitors can fish any open body of water throughout the state and all submissions are entered by sending in a photograph. I also offer an intervention class where student custom build fishing poles, tie flies, and build spinners. If your student is interested in any of these activities you are welcome to send me an email so that we can talk about them in greater detail.
I have three children; Brooklyn, Landen and Preston. My wife, Jessica, keeps all of the kids (along with household operations) in amazing order, despite the business of three youth. She is currently employed by Spectrum health and works as a nurse at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids on the Orthopedic Trauma, Burn and Reconstructive Floor.
I look forward to this school year and hope that all of you are excited to prepare for your future through advancing your education. If you have any questions for me please don't hesitate to contact me via phone or e-mail. You can also find me on FaceBook (@MrWinsorsClassroom) and Twitter (@JeremyWinsor). Good Luck this year!
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