Personal Information

Adam Maitland

Diligent Entertaining Understanding

My name is Adam Maitland and I am 28 years old. I grew up in Manasquan, NJ. I grew up with my father, Ron, my mother Elaine and my brother Brian. I grew up in a small town on the beach where I was able to enjoy a life waking up to the ocean, going to school with my friends all the way through high school and learning about myself through different experiences in the community and traveling. When I finished high school, I moved to Eugene, Oregon, where I completed my BA and Master's degree in ECE/Elementary Education and Special Education. After completing my master's degree at Pacific University, I acquired my first teaching job in Idaho Falls, Idaho. After working there for two years, I moved to Knoxville, TN, to continue my education and teaching experience.

My love for animals started me on a path to become a veterinarian. I was so determined that during my high school years, I acquired a veterinarian technician position at a local animal hospital. I find animals to be a soothing part of my life as they never judge, they always love, and they are always wanting to support you. Animal therapy has been one of my current research projects, as I feel many of my students would benefit from animal friend.

Some of my interest are hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and traveling. I love being active and try to make that part of my classroom. I have traveled all over the United States and to Paris, France, Baja Mexico, and plan to continue traveling to learn more about the world. I believe active movement is extremely important for everyone because it helps build self esteem, coordination, and focus. I always try to take the time with my students to go outside and exercise through the use of games or implement dance exercise into parts of the day, especially when I notice my students are having a hard time focus. I have done lots of research on Brain Gym and kept open communication with the physical education teacher so that I can present my students with more opportunity to move.

Art is another one of my passions and something I use with many of my students as a style of therapy. I have experience with a variety of medias, such as graphic art, pastels, painting, and ceramics. Art is very important to me and another piece I hold a lot of value in my classroom. Creativity helps a student to think and find ways to process information that works best for them. Sometimes it is easier to draw how one feels and explain it then write about their feelings. I have found giving students doodle journals allows them to get their creativity started and helps their minds process new information easier. I continue my studies with art therapy so that I can use it more effectively with my students.