About Me

My name is Danielle Payne and I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at UNLV. I have wanted to become a teacher since the 5th grade, but the original path that I took did not guide me towards my dream. Within the last decade and a half, I have searched for what I was meant to do since initially, teaching did not garner the support that I so desperately wanted. Alas, I followed the “clues” and gained the support, which led me to the here and now; my finish line into my own classroom.

Therefore, my theme for this portfolio is Sherlock Holmes. Not only am I a fan of the books written by Arthur Conan Doyle, and of Sherlock himself, but I also equate Sherlock as the definition of a learn-it-all. He enjoys studying for the joy of building knowledge even in what many would consider useless information. For example, he prides himself on knowing that there are 243 types of tobacco ash, as well as, being able to tell the difference between alpaca wool and Icelandic sheep wool. Thus, I can relate Sherlock to my students. Individually they are their own “case” to solve; if you will. I must follow their clues; learn their interests, earn their trust, all to create engaging lessons and fulfilling relationships. I must play to their strengths and build up their weaknesses, all while instilling a love of learning all knowledge including the useless tidbits about wool. I must do it all to solve the case and to help my students become the best problem solvers they can be and I, to lead the charge and to continue on as the learn-it-all that I strive to be.