Melissa's Homepage
About MeAfter graduating from Dickinson college with a dual undergraduate degree in Psychology and Studio Art, I have explored and enhanced my teaching abilities in a number of different ways. While attending graduate school at West Chester, Pennsylvania, I worked with autistic and mentally-handicapped students in Lower Merion School District. In addition, I worked as the head teacher of 2 year-old children within a day care facility while I continued to balance night classes. After achieving my Pennsylvania teaching certificate, I successfully completed my Masters degree in Elementary Education. In the fall of 2003, I worked at Brigantine Elementary School as a reading teacher for first and second grade students whose reading and phonic skills were below average. At present, I hold a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in the state of California. |
My Teaching PhilosophyI like to provide a fun, comfortable, and safe environment where diversity is welcome. I feel that a mixture of enthusiasm, along with an approachable teacher, helps the students learn to trust me. When students have no reservations and ease within their environment, they can build their self-esteem and confidence so that eventually, they can be risk-takers when given the opportunity. It is important for my students to see the process of learning. The children should have control of what is being taught. They should be free to move around and make discoveries everyday through various activities, both in groups and independently. Therefore, I, as the teacher, am able to facilitate children's interests and everyday lives into their academics so that the students are able to connect what they are learning in the classroom to the real world. The relationship between students is important to me. Projects, presentations, and group work can help children to learn from one another. They should learn how to work with each other and be open-minded toward the opinions of others. Working together allows the children to learn, listen, and respect one another. Finally, experimentation within the classroom is something teachers should never give up, for teaching is a never-ending life experience. Each child is different and what you do for one student does not necessarily work for another. Experimentation allows me to reach the most challenged and the most gifted of students. |
E EDE 602Since I have my Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential, I have enrolled in E EDE 602 Applying Technology to Curricular Goals at California State University of Northridge. This class will help me to clear my credential so that I can continue to teach in the state of California. This advanced level course is helping me to feel at ease integrating the use of computers in my own classroom. I have had so much fun learning about how to create a letter with images, my own webpage, and a powerpoint presentation. I can't wait to implement these computers skills in my classroom! |
