About Me
Teaching Philosophy
My philosophy of education is to provide an inquiry-based atmosphere. In my English I class I use project based learning and technology to make learning enjoyable for all. Because my students have a variety of strengths, weakness and learning styles, I design each lesson so that it is diversified enough so that all students are able to succeed.
I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as a educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment, (1) the teacher acting as a guide, (2) allowing the child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and (3) promoting respect for all things and all people.
Teaching Experience
Teacher at West Jefferson High School, Louisiana, United States (Aug2007 - Present)
o Subjects: English I
o Department Head
o Winner for May, 2009 Exemplary 21st teaching and learning contest! A contest sponsored by Jefferson Parish's Technology Department
Teacher at Edna Karr Secondary School, Louisiana, United States (Aug2006 - May2007)
o Subjects: English II and English IV
Teacher at Marion Abramson Senior High School, Louisiana, United States (Jan1997 - Aug2005)
o Subjects: English II and Reading
o Served as Testing Coordinator for 3 years
Academics and Certifications
M. Ed.
o Secondary English (Aug1994 - Dec1996)
o University of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
B.B.A.
o Marketing/Communications. (Aug1983 - May1987)
o Loyola University New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Louisiana Teaching Certificate, 1997, English 6-12
Awards and Recognition
Winner of Exemplary 21st Teaching and Learning contest, May, 2009 for a Wiki that displayed student's I-Search Reports.
Recipient of Technology Classroom Grant, 2009
Named one of twenty of Intel's Inspiring Teachers April, 2010
Training and workshops
Trained in "Using Digital Cameras in the Classroom", 2009
Trained in the use of "MovieMaker in the Classroom 2", 2009
Trained in the use of "MovieMaker in the Classroom 1", 2009
Trained in the use of "Vocabulary Word Walls", 2009
Trained in the use "Literature Circles", 2008
Trained in "Best Practices ELA Block Schedules", 2008
Trained in the use of "Kagan Structures/Strategies", 2007
Trained in the use of "Thinking Maps", 2007
Favorite quotes:
"Listen to many, speak to a few."
- William Shakespeare -
"The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection."
- George Orwell -
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