Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)

What is Social and Emotional Learning? 

Please click on this short video (a little over 3 minutes)

My Educational Philosophy

Failure is just a stepping stone along the way...

Students need to see failure as a bump along the road, not the end of it. We all make mistakes and I make sure to mention when I’ve made a mistake or not been able to do something. It is important for them to see that everyone has failures in their life, how they deal with that failure is their choice, give up or persevere on. It is a life skill that I hope every student who leaves my class will take with them.

Try, try and try again...

Anything worth learning takes time. Nothing comes easy. Students in my classroom are taught that with hard work, success can be theirs, in whatever area they choose. 

Everyone has their own story, never assume...

Each morning, when a student walks into my room, I try to remember they are all individuals, with their own history. They all need something different from me and I must be flexible with my approach to them. Some need me to be a cheerleader, coach, teacher, mom... My job is not to be a disciplinarian, it is to work with them as a partner in their education. I assume whichever role they need, to help them become the best person they can be.

A smile or kind word go a long way...

Even when students leave my room and move onto fourth grade they can always be sure of a quick smile or wave from me in the hallways. I feel a vested interest in their success even after they progress on to the next grade and they know that.

Deep breaths...

Being a teacher is not easy. Learning some of the histories of my students is enough to break you, but I think, what can I do to help them be their best? Dwelling on the sadness in their lives does not do them any good. They need to learn how to rise above their circumstances. When I feel overwhelmed for them, I take a deep breath and keep going.

Never give up on a student...

No matter where they are in their education, every student can make progress whether it is academic, emotional or social. There is always another way to reach them. I never give up. My goal is for each child to leave my room stronger academically, emotionally, and socially than when they began third grade.

Start each day new and everyone with a clean slate...

The past is the past. Each morning and throughout the day I try to be in the moment with my students. If they had a difficult morning, I cannot let that affect their afternoon.

Keep your expectations high but individual for everyone...

My students need to believe in their dreams whatever they are. Some don’t see anything ahead of them, I have to help them see the bright future that can await them. My job as their teacher, is to support their dreams and keep my expectations high for each one of them and support them along the way, as they try their best. 

Always in the back of my mind is what do they need for life, not what do they need to pass third grade.