About Mr. B
Hello! I am Justin Birckbichler, or Mr. B. This is my fifth year of teaching fourth grade. I am excited to be joining Courthouse Road Elementary! Previously, I have taught at Margaret Brent Elementary in Stafford, VA and Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School in Front Royal, VA.
I graduated from Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, PA in May 2013. After completing my student teaching in a third-grade classroom, I earned a degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. In August 2015, I completed my Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction degree through Western Governors University. Although I have spent the majority of my life as a Pennsylvania resident, I have relocated and live in Spotsylvania. I live with my my wife (who is also a teacher), our five-year-old cat, Conner, and our one-year-old puppy, Tobi.
Whenever I get a free moment, I love to read thriller/mystery novels, work in my garage workshop, spent time outside in my hammock or in my firepit, work out at the gym, and cook new meals. I really enjoy working with technology, both in the classroom and for personal use. I am a Google for Education Certified Innovator and Trainer. I am both honored and excited to continue my career in fourth grade, and I sincerely look forward to working with you and your child to further their education.
I believe every child has the ability to excel in an academic environment that fosters creative thinking and cooperative learning. I strive to provide all students with the essentials for physical, emotional, social, and academic growth through a variety of hands-on activities. Some examples of these activities include Daily 5, student-created projects, cooperative games, movement-based activities, and cooperative learning groups. Technology is a crucial part of 21st century life. The effective integration of technology helps to better prepare your child for the coming future.
I will get to know your child as an individual and as a member of our learning community. I teach students first and subjects second. We all work hard to become all effective, caring, and democratic citizens of Room 31. Every morning we start our day with a Morning Meeting in order to reinforce our sense of community. I believe that it is important to develop a tone in our classroom that is warm, respectful and sincere, where we all care about each other and work willingly and effectively together.
Our classroom is a very student-centered and student-led environment. I will often act as a facilitator as the students guide their own knowledge. The role of a teacher is changing, and I am thrilled to work in a school division that has a framework that honors the importance of creating a culture of creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, citizenship, and wellness.
I am dedicated to putting your child's education as a priority in my life. Additionally, I am thrilled to have the privilege to work with you and your family to foster an educational partnership. Just as I will invest a large amount of time and energy into your child's education, I sincerely hope you will do the same. Family involvement is a topic I am extremely passionate about, and I will offer multiple ways and resources for you to become more involved, both in and out of the classroom.
I am excited and looking forward to getting to know your child and making our classroom a place where he/she feels learning can be enjoyable in a caring and secure environment.